Three types of alumina-based ceramic tools (zircon a toughened, titanium-carbide reinforced and silicon-carbide-whisker reinforced) were used to evaluate their cutting performance when machining a high-tensile steel. Experimental studies were carried out at various cutting speeds, feeds and depths of cut, in dry conditions. The cutting performance of the alumina-based ceramic tools was judged by the cutting force produced during the process of machining, by the surface roughness of the workpiece and by the wear rate of the cutting inserts. The influence of the cutting parameters (that is, the cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) on the cutting performance is discussed.