Applications of high-pressure waterjets directed onto the cutting tool have shown many advantages in metal machining. Tests have shown improvement in machinability of high-strength alloys using carbide tools. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the viability of having a 360 MPa waterjet directed onto the tool/chip interface when cutting a nickel-based superalloy with a SiCw-reinforced ceramic cutting insert. The resulting very localized cooling action was found to profoundly change the chip shape and tool wear behavior. Microscope studies of tools and chips indicate a significantly affected wear and cutting mechanism which can provide further knowledge of the mechanisms associated with this type of machining.