Abstract: A system for automatic finishing of machined parts comprising apparatus for defining a workpiece and finishing parameters thereof corresponding to a finishing task, apparatus for calcualting a three-dimensional path about the workpiece along which a finishing tool is drawn in order to perform the finishing task, apparatus for testing the placement of the workpiece and for correcting the three-dimensional path to account for workpiece misplacement, and finishing apparatus operative to move the finishing tool along the three dimensional path in order to perform the finishing task.