In order to improve the cutting ability of face mill, a model for optimal cutter shape was developed to minimize resultant cutting force by combing cutting force model and optimal technique. Wear test and surface roughness test for optimized and conventional cutter were performed. The new optimized cutter shows longer tool life of 2.29 times than conventional cutter in light cutting condition and 2.52 times in heavy cutting condition. The surface roughness of workpiece by optimized cutter is improved in heavy cutting condition, but deteriorated in light cutting condition in comparison with conventional cutter. The surface profiles of workpiece were analyzed by Fourier transformation. The distribution of cut lay left on workpiece by optimized cutter is more regular than that by the conventional cutter.