Abstract: A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a tool body including at least one inverted cutting element pocket, at least a portion of the at least one inverted cutting element pocket having a profile substantially matching a profile of an actual cutting element to be secured within a cutting element pocket to be formed by subsequently machining the at least one inverted cutting element pocket. Hardfacing material may be applied to portions of the tool body. The actual cutting element pocket is formed by removing material of the tool body within the at least one inverted cutting element pocket subsequent to applying the hardfacing material to portions of the tool body. A cutting element is affixed within the actual cutting element pocket.

Abstract: A method of joining a component, such as a cutting element, to another component or body of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, includes disposing a third-body structure, which may comprise a braze material, between a surface of the component and a surface of the another component of the earth-boring tool. The component to be joined is then rotated relative to the surface of the another component to generate frictional heat in the third-body structure and to at least plasticize material of the third-body structure. After the rotation, the plasticized material of the third-body structure is compressed between the surfaces and then allowed to solidify, which bonds the component to the another component without deforming either the component or the another component.

Abstract: A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a tool body including at least one inverted cutting element pocket, at least a portion of the at least one inverted cutting element pocket having a profile substantially matching a profile of an actual cutting element to be secured within a cutting element pocket to be formed by subsequently machining the at least one inverted cutting element pocket. Hardfacing material may be applied to portions of the tool body. The actual cutting element pocket is formed by removing material of the tool body within the at least one inverted cutting element pocket subsequent to applying the hardfacing material to portions of the tool body. A cutting element is affixed within the actual cutting element pocket.