Adaptive control technique for a milling process is developed and implemented in an NC milling machine retrofitted to enable the micro-computer control. The control algorithm has the objects to guarantee the optimal tool life which can give the predetemined allowable lower limit of surface roughness. The experimental results show 1) that the extended tool life equation has good reliability in normal tool wear conditions. 2) and that the proposed adaptive control technique, which determine the optimal cutting condition by basing on the tool life equation modified continually according to the tool wear measured in real time, performs well.