PURPOSE: To enable highly accurate machining through automated operations to be conducted by applying using an application means an antiseize agent to a core at each end face of a workpiece of circular cross section to be machined, while holding the workpiece using a holding means, and conveying the workpiece to a polishing position for centering.

CONSTITUTION: A roll 1 serving as work is conveyed from a roll attaching device 3 by a roll conveyor 4, and an antiseize agent is applied to a core at each end of the roll by an antiseize agent applicator 8 at the roll attaching device 3, and a lathe dog 6 is attached to the main spindle 12a side of the roll by a lathe-dog attaching device 7. The roll 1 is driven and rotated via the lathe dog 6 and is supported by steady rests 26... so as to resist deflection. Under these conditions, the roll is ground by a grinding wheel 19 with a machining table 11 being slid and displaced, and the end of an eccentricity measuring device 30 is made to abut the rotating roll 1 prior to the grinding so as to measure the eccentricity of the roll 1, and this abutting state is adjusted by control of a wheel spindle stock 18 and of the steady rests 26.