The present invention provides a method for extending diamond tool life in diamond machining of materials that chemically react with the diamond tool in which the surface electric potential of the workpiece is adjusted or tuned to be adequate to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece during the diamond machining operation. As the chemical reaction is inhibited, the chemical wear rate of the diamond tool is reduced and diamond tool life is extended. The surface electric potential of the workpiece can be adjusted by electrically charging the workpiece. In one embodiment, conduction charging is used to adjust the surface electric potential of the workpiece to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece. In another embodiment, induction charging is used to adjust the surface electric potential of the workpiece to inhibit the chemical reaction between the diamond tool and the workpiece.