We are frequently asked about the feasibilty of re-tipping an insert, putting a new CBN or PCD tip on an insert.  Normally, this is not practical.  The cost of the carbide blank for most standard inserts is a small part of the total cost of the tool, and re-using old carbide usually requires more labor than the carbide is worth.  In other words, we would have to charge more for a re-tipped tool than for a brand new tool of the same type.  However, for large brazed shank tools or other special tools where the shank or tool blank is unusual in type and/or cost, retipping can be a viable option.