A method for removing a predetermined amount of material from the inner surface (16, 18, 20, 22) of a circular article (10) which deviates from a true circular configuration. The outer surface (32) of the article (10) is touch probed to determine its true location in space, data are then compared to engineering design data to establish the location of the surface (16, 18, 20, 22) to which material removal is desired. A control computer (70) sends commands to the machine control system, causing the machine to remove the excess material down to the desired dimension. Any deviations from circular are compensated for by moving the article (10) radially relative to the cutting tool as the article (10) moves circumferentially relative to the cutting tool.