Abstract: An intricate profile is formed on the peripheral face of the grinding wheel of a surface grinder by moving two rotatable and differently shaped dressing wheels axially and sequentially across the face of the grinding wheel while shifting the grinding wheel vertically in timed relation with such movement to control the depth of cut of the dressing wheels into the grinding wheel. The dressing wheels are movable with the crossfeed carriage of the grinder while vertical movement of the grinding wheel during the dressing operation is effected by way of the wheelhead of the grinder. Both motions are controlled during the dressing operation by a computerized numerical control.