The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference in cutting characteristics of cermet, carbide and coated carbide tools in the similar application range via turning test of various conditions. The cermet and carbide tools in the range of ISO P10 grade were developed using optimum compositions with a view to obtaining a high toughness and hardness by PM process. First mechanical properties were characterized on these tools. Experimental results of wear behaviour and resistance to fracturing were presented and discussed in the turning of gray cast iron and alloy steels by cermet, carbide and coated carbide tools. The coated carbide tool shows similar cutting performance compared to the cermet, while the cermet has better combination of wear resistance and toughness of high speed (V=500m/min) cutting in comparison with carbide and coated carbide tools, and also shows a potentiality for cast iron cutting. Fe adhesive behaviour on the tools and surface roughness of workpieces were explained by chemical affinity between tools and workpieces.