Abstract

An apparatus for grinding end surfaces of ferrules together with optical fibers each firmly received therein includes as essential components a platform serving as a base for the apparatus, a grinding board assembly rotationally driven such that a grinding board is displaced along a horizontal reference plane as it is rotated, a ferrule holder for holding the ferrules each of whose foremost end to be ground is oriented toward the grinding board, a ferrule holder supporting member for bringing the ferrule holder to a surface position to be assumed by the ferrule holder on completion of a grinding operation while supporting the ferrule holder, and a thrusting unit for normally thrusting the ferrule holder toward the grinding board. It is desirable that the center of the grinding board assembly be positionally offset from the center of the ferrule holder supporting member. The ferrule holder supporting member may include a plurality of male-threaded support column members for adjustably supporting the ferrule holder while maintaining the horizontal state of the ferrule member relative to the grinding board.