In abrasive jet machining, a focused stream of abrasive particles is impinged on the work surface through a nozzle and work material is removed by erosion by high velocity abrasive particles carried by high pressure air or gas. Because the carrier gas acts as a coolant, the cutting process is cool. The high-velocity abrasive stream is created by transferring the pressure energy of the carrier gas or air to its kinetic energy, resulting in a high-velocity jet.