Surface texture is considered an important measure to improve the cutting performance of a tool. In this study, we have prepared three types of textured and conventional tools on the rake face by an in‐situ formed method. During the experiment, the best parameters of three types of textured tools were selected for dry cutting AISI 1045 steel at different cutting speeds. Cutting forces, cutting temperatures, workpiece surface roughness, and tool wear were measured during the cutting process. The results showed that textured tools have significantly reduced cutting force, cutting temperature, and tool wear, and the roughness of the workpiece was improved compared with the conventional tool. The micro‐pit texture tool has less stress contact region than the micro‐groove width texture tool, but the micro‐groove width texture tool exhibiting the best cutting performance. This investigation clearly showed that the textured tool prepared by the in‐situ formed method has improved cutting performance.