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.