Abstract: Apparatus for treating the surface of an article, for example a metallic automobile wheel, comprises a rotatable clamping table for holding the article, the clamping operation being performed by dogs manually operable by a bell crank for engaging the article. The surface of the article is treated or rubbed by a rotating wheel mounted on a support provided with universal movement by swivel and toggle means, so that the treating wheel may be moved to various positions and orientations against the surface of the article and also against an adjacent source of rubbing or buffing compound. The article clamping table and the treating wheel are rotated by electric motors.