Method for precision grinding of end mounted objects

A method of dressing an object, comprising:

• securing the object in a vertical position to one end of a vertically oriented support member having a longitudinal axis;
• continuously supplying pressurized fluid to the support member to exert an upward force on the support member that is less than the combined weight of the support member and the object secured thereto by a predetermined amount to thereby counterbalance a portion of said combined weight;
• supplying additional fluid pressure to the support member to exert an additional upward force on the support member that is sufficient to overcome said combined weight and to move the support member and the object axially upwardly;
• reducing the upward force of the pressurized fluid on the support member so that said combined weight exceeds said force by said predetermined amount;
• allowing the pressurized fluid being supplied to the support member to leak away from the support member, and allowing the downward force of said combined weight alone, without the application of any other downward force, to move the support member and the object axially downwardly at a controlled rate;
• and
• while the object is moving axially, holding dressing means in a fixed position to contact a side portion of the object.

A method of grinding a tool element, comprising:

• securing the tool element in a vertical position to one end of a vertically oriented piston having a longitudinal axis;
• pressurizing fluid bearing means surrounding the piston to support the piston in a vertical position, and maintaining the pressurization of the fluid bearing means;
• while so maintaining the pressurization of the fluid bearing means, delivering pressurized fluid to the piston to move the piston and the tool element carried thereby axially;
• said delivering of pressurized fluid including continuously supplying pressurized fluid to exert an upward force on the piston that is less than the combined weight of the piston and the tool element secured thereto by a predetermined amount to thereby counterbalance a portion of said combined weight, increasing the fluid pressure on the piston to exert an additional upward force on the piston that is sufficient to overcome said combined weight and to move the piston and the tool element axially upwardly, and reducing the upward force of the pressurized fluid on the piston so that said combined weight exceeds said upward force by said predetermined amount;
• after so reducing said force and while continuing to maintain the pressurization of the fluid bearing means, allowing the pressurized fluid being delivered to the piston to leak away from the piston, and allowing the downward force of said combined weight alone, without the application of any other downward force, to move the piston and the tool element axially downwardly at a controlled rate;
• and
• while the tool element is moving axially, holding a grinding element in a fixed position to contact a side portion of the tool element.