Abstract: A cutting insert comprised of a body of hard wear resistant material is precision indexed and held in a cut-out of a tool holder by a bridge clamp. The body has first and second opposed major surfaces, and at least one and preferably two substantially parallel precision indexing surfaces capable of precision indexing of the body in the cut-out of the tool holder. At least one and preferably two cutting edges are preferably provided at opposite end portions of the body for cutting metal. At least one and preferably two notches complementary to each other are provided in at least first major surface and adapted to rigidly hold the body in the cut-out of the tool holder with an indexing surface and the bridge clamp. Each notch has an engaging surface forming a compound angle with a major surface defined by an angle greater than about 10.degree. and less than about 30.degree., preferably less than about 20.degree., to the indexing surface, and an angle of greater than about 3.degree.