This paper presents a machining parameter selection approach using an evolutionary computation (EC). In order to perform a successful material cutting process, the engineer is to select suitable machining parameters. Until now, it has been mostly done by the handbook look-up or solving optimization equations which is inconvenient when not in handy. The main thrust of the paper is to provide a handy machining parameter selection approach. The EC is applied to rapidly find optimal machining parameters for the user\`s specific machining conditions. The EC is basically a combination of genetic a1gorithm and microcanonical stochastic simulated annealing method. The approach is described in detail with an application example. The paper concludes with a discussion on the potential of the proposed approach.