The invention comprises an apparatus and method for abrading a work piece to a desired flat surface by using a compact, high speed endless abrasive belt which travels a pathway over a drive roller and an idler roller and in which an air cushion is formed between the belt and the support table surface therebeneath during the upper run of the belt. The air cushion is created by a plurality of cavities in the idler roller which introduce an air flow between the belt and support table surface at the beginning of the upper run of the belt. The air cushion formed is maintained beneath the length of the upper run of the belt by the milled surface of the support table which serves to restrain the air flow and confine it between the belt and table surface. In this fashion a compact and high speed abrading machine is provided which requires only a relatively small horsepower motor for motivation and which obviates complex and expensive cooling systems utilized heretofore.