This investigation focuses on the influence of tool geometry on the surface finish obtained in turning of AISI 1040 steel. In order to find out the effect of tool geometry parameters on the surface roughness during turning, response surface methodology (RSM) was used and a prediction model was developed related to average surface roughness (Ra) using experimental data. The results indicated that the tool nose radius was the dominant factor on the surface roughness. In addition, a good agreement between the predicted and measured surface roughness was observed. Therefore, the developed model can be effectively used to predict the surface roughness on the machining of AISI 1040 steel with in 95% confidence intervals ranges of parameters studied. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.