This study was investigated the feasibility of AE application on in-process detection of tool fracture and chipping. Carbon steel SM45C workpiece with longitudinal slots was turned interruptedly on a lathe. AE RMS signal at tool fracture was observed and also the tangential force and the feed observed at the time of tool fracture, the levels of tangential force and the feed force at the time of fracture decrease considerably. In chipping, high level AE signal was observed but there were no changes of cutting force. Peak AE RMS squared is proportional to the area of tool fracture and resultant force. Fracture model of tool fracture is proposed as $V_{p}$ = $C_{1}$ $E_{1}$F(.DELTA. A)$_{0.5}$ and peak AE RMS shows strong correlation with the fracture parameter F(.DELTA.A)$^{0.5}$5/5/