The present invention relates to a method for making bone particles from bone of a variety of sizes and a workpiece forming and holding device for use with the method. The workpiece forming device includes a base and a base frame attached to the surface of the base. An apparatus for forming a solidified mass of bone and immobilization medium is also provided which includes the workpiece forming device and a detachable former member enclosing the base frame. Bone is immersed in an immobilization medium within such workpiece forming device, which is solidified to form a solidified mass of bone and immobilization medium and then subdivided to provide particles of bone in association to with immobilization medium. The immobilization medium may be optionally removed to leave bone particles suitable for use in orthopedic applications including implants.