In determining optimal cutting condition for face milling operation, tool wear is an important factor. For the purpose of establishing the relationship between various machining factors and tool wear, cutting tests have been performed. As a result, hardness and chemical composition of workpiece material, chemical composition and grain size of cutting tool and cutting speed have been selected as machining factors. In addition, relationship between feed rate and workpiece hardness has been observed. Prior to utilizing cutting conditions recommended by ‘Machining Data Handbook(MDH)’ as a knowledge base, an analysis for the validity of the MDH has been provided. Based on this analysis, tool life criteria applied by MDH has been modified. Finally, using MDH recommended data for neural network trainning, the results from the trained neural network for optimal cutting condition for some given workpiece and cutting tool can be used as reference cutting conditions.