A work holding apparatus is used in grinding and polishing very hard and brittle tools, such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline diamond tools, diamond indenters, diamond knives, etc. The work holding apparatus includes a support member to be mounted on the work table, and work operating devices capable of vertical movement, capable of forward and backward movement, and capable of swing motion about a horizontal shaft and which are all connected one after another to the support member. The swing device is connected to a swing arm, to which a tool holder is attached via the vertical movement device and swivel device.
