This is an experimental investigation of the temperature generated in a cutting tool during the machining of stainless steel. The temperature results from the wear of the cutting tool are considered in order to investigate the relation between cause and effect of these factors. This possibility has been tested using a thermocouple technique to record temperature vs. time curves for a variety of cutting conditions. This is done by employing a thermocouple inserted on the tool tip near the major cutting edge. Temperature distributions are calculated using finite element method and compared to the contour maps measured by an optical system. It suggests that the temperature gradients and the tool performance will be dependent on certain facotrs in tool geometry when cutting this material.