Precisely shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this invention comprises the steps of: (a) providing a production tool having a plurality of cavities; (b) providing a dispensing means capable of introducing a binder precursor comprising a thermosetting resin into the cavities; (c) providing a means, within a curing zone, for at least partially curing the binder precursor; (d) introducing the binder precursor into at least a portion of at least two of the cavities; (e) continuously moving the production tool through the curing zone to at least partially cure the binder precursor to provide a solidified, handleable binder; (f) removing the binder from said at least one cavity; and (g) converting the binder into precisely shaped composites. Steps (f) and (g) can be conducted simultaneously. The composites are bonded to a backing to form a coated abrasive article.