A method for electrochemical machining a workpiece utilizing an electrolyte that is passivating to the workpiece, wherein the conductive tool is provided with a nonconductive abrasive surface, and said tool and workpiece are brought together with a contacting relative motion so that said abrasive surface will selectively abrade the workpiece to remove any passivation layer therefrom in those areas to be machined and such that the unabraded surface areas will retain the passivation layer to prevent electrochemical machining thereof, and a reciprocally motion between the tool and workpiece is also effected to pump the electrolyte through the gap between the tool and workpiece and prevent it from becoming over-heated.