An experimental study is performed to measure temperature variation of a carbide insert during metal cutting by means of fine thermocouples connected to a data acquisition system. A semiempirical equation is developed based on transient conduction solutions combined with experimental data to predict temperature-time history in the cutting tool during operation. The governing parameters in the equation are derived, using AISI 1045 steel as the workpiece, to be the cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut at fixed rake and lead angles. Emphasis is placed on analyzing effects of the important factors on the cutting process, such as frictional heat generated at the tool-workpiece interface and wear of the tool. Dynamic behavior of the metal cutting process as predicted by the direct thermocouple measurement agreed with phenomenological observations reported in the existing literature.