The present invention relates to a tool for accurately controlling the location, volume and containment of an abrasive grit material during a plating operation wherein the grit material and a matrix metal are deposited onto a tip portion of at least one workpiece. The tool of the present invention has an inner component with slots for receiving the workpieces to be coated. The tool also has an outer components having a plurality of through slots for permitting a plating solution to flow therethrough and into a space defined by the inner and outer components. The tool further has a slot defined by portions of the inner and outer component for introducing the abrasive grit material into the space. A screen is provided over the slots in the outer component. The screen helps maintain the abrasive grit material within the space while permitting plating solution to flow into the space. The tool of the present invention further has a trough for collecting unused grit material. A method for forming a coating on a tip portion of a workpiece or workpieces using the tool of the present invention is also disclosed.