Abstract: A method measures an edge of a workpiece by scanning. The scanning is performed by a scanning tool mounted on a moving head of an edge-facing machine while that moving head is moved along the edge to be measured before, during or after an edge facing tool of the edge-facing machine that faces the edge. The method can be performed by an edge-facing machine that includes at least one edge facing tool and that further includes a scanning tool mounted on a movable head of the machine, which head is movable along an edge of a workpiece.

Abstract: A countertop finishing apparatus includes a base for supporting the countertop. A press is arranged to press an end piece against an end of the countertop. A trimming head is provided with an automatic positioner for automatically moving the trimming head relative to the base to cut the end piece of the countertop to a desired size.

Abstract: An automatic method of trimming portions of a workpiece such as a casting includes moving a trimming tool along the contour of the workpiece while imparting linear or rotary cutting motion to the tool, detecting the deflection of the tool as it follows the contour, and using signals representative of the deflection detection to control the contour-following tool motion. Apparatus for performing this method includes proximity detectors in the tool support or elastic deformation sensors such as strain gauges, in various embodiments. The tool itself acts as a pattern follower as well as the trimmer, using the workpiece as the pattern.