Inconel 718 is one of the most difficult-to-cut materials because of its low thermal diffusive property, high hardness, and high strength at high temperature. In this study, the effects of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness and tangential cutting force when high speed turning Inconel 718 by ceramic and carbide cutting tools in dry turning have been investigated. After preparing the turning process, design of the experiment was chosen as full factorial. The experiment results in high speed turning using ceramic tool indicated that cutting speed and feed rate in compared to depth of cut more effectively on surface roughness. Moreover, depth of cut and feed rate in compared to cutting speed more effectively on tangential cutting force. High speed turning using carbide tool indicated that cutting speed and feed rate in compared to depth of cut more effectively on surface roughness. Moreover, cutting speed and feed rate in compared to depth of cut more effectively on tangential cutting force. Comparison of ceramic and carbide tools shows that force and average surface roughness in ceramic tools is lower than carbide tool. Comparison cutting speed chart shows that for the ceramic tools optimum surface roughness exists and it is the best machining conditions.