Abstract: Methods for treating surface faults and impurities on metal stock which has been subjected to hot working are disclosed in which the hot metal stock is subjected to grinding from an endless abrasive belt while the hot metal stock from the hot working step remains at a temperature of between about 500.degree. and 1500.degree. C., and the desired grinding pressure is applied to the hot metal stock during the grinding step by means of a contact device in which the applied pressure is created by a fluid so that the contact device remains in floating contact with the hot metal stock during grinding. Apparatus for treating surface faults and impurities on such hot metal stock are also disclosed.