This paper presents an effective cutting force model that enables us to predict the instantaneous cutting force in face milling from knowledge of the work material properties and the cutting conditions. The development of the model is based on the orthogonal machining theory with the effective rake angle, which is defined in the plane containing the cutting velocity vector and the chip flow vector. Face milling tests are performed at different feeds and, a fairly good agreement is shown between the predicted cutting forces and the test results.