Abstract: The elongated edge of a workpiece is machined to preselected dimensions and tolerances using a numerically controlled machining system by probing the surface of the workpiece along the length of the edge to be machined to determine edge dimensions and/or its actual position and orientation at such preselected locations relative to a cutting tool holder and to the workpiece fixture, and generating and storing data indicative thereof, and machining the edge of the workpiece under the direction of a machine program which accesses that data and other known preselected part design data which has been stored and causes a cutting tool to follow the actual edge of the part, cutting the edge to preselected dimensions as the cutting tool travels relative thereto, the workpiece and the cutting tool being reoriented relative to each other as the tool being reoriented relative to each other as the tool moves along the edge to maintain the tool in appropriate angular and positional relation to the workpiece over the length