In order to improve surface finish, geometric and dimensional tolerances of cemented tungsten carbide cutting tools produced by powder metallurgy, grinding is commonly applied. Due to the high thermal and mechanical loads generated during this process, surface and metallurgical characteristics are directly affected and, as a result, tool performance. Within this context, the influence of grinding wheel characteristics on surface integrity parameters, like surface and edge roughness, hardness and residual stress, was investigated and cutting inserts ground under extreme conditions were applied in rough orthogonal turning of a ferritic nodular cast iron to evaluate their performance regarding tool life. The obtained results showed that higher compressive residual stress values, induced by a vitrified bonded diamond grinding wheel with grain size of 46 µm, contributed to increase tool life, as a protective layer of adhered material was formed on the cutting edge. Flank wear by abrasion was thus avoided and crack formation was the determining factor for the end of the tests. • Finishing process of cutting inserts significantly affects their performance. • Compressive residual stress contributes to increase tool life in rough turning. • Insert surface and edge roughness do not influence tool life in turning cast iron.