Abstract: An apparatus (20) is provided for polishing an end of a plug-terminated lightguide fiber so that when it is disposed together with another plug-terminated fiber within a biconical sleeve (38), there is precise end separation of opposing end portions of the fibers. The apparatus includes a holder (40) in which is disposed a plug (30) with an encapsulated end portion (31) of the fiber (23) extending from the plug. A housing (80) receives the holder and causes the plug to be seated in engagement with an insert (96) in a base (81) with the encapsulated end portion extending beyond a reference plane (94) of the base. The base includes non-wearing pads (86-86) spaced about an outer surface thereof. The holder is caused to apply to the plug a force which is equal to that which the plug will experience when mounted in the biconical sleeve.