Abstract: A process using predetermined magnetic lines of flux to position, orient, and retain abrasive particles having a magnetic conductive coating thereon to a substrate surface for bonding to the surface by suitable electro-plating or other plating processes. The process allows use of high aspect ratio abrasive particles to produce desirable cutting, grinding, and sanding characteristics in a wide variety of tools such as saws, knives, abrasive drums, lapidary disks, and sandpaper, which are also part of the invention. Since the positioning of the abrasive particles can be controlled, various desirable patterns thereof can be produced on substrates of various shapes and sizes especially when the substrate is non-magnetic.