Abstract: A fibre optic bundle end is produced by placing the end in a ferrule (6) and the bundle (14) and ferrule (6) are supported in a furnace (22) for rotation about the ferrule axis. The ferrule (6) and the fibres (14) therein are heated and while still in the furnace (22) are radially compressed by compression members (2,4) so that the fibres become lightly packed, after which the protruding fibre ends are cut off and the cut surface (16) is polished. The compression is achieved by rotating the ferrule (6) and fibres (14) back and forth about the bundle axis while the compression members which are bars passed through the furnace (22) move together radially of the ferrule (6), the said members being mounted for reciprocation so as to allow the ferrule (6) to roll thereon as it rotates.