ABSTRACT Cutting fluids are required for machining operations. However, the constituents of the mineral oil-based cutting fluids used in the industry have carcinogenic effects on the human and a negative impact on the environment. Non-edible vegetable oils can be a good potential to be used as a feasible alternative. A cutting fluid is formulated from non-edible vegetable oil using eco-friendly constituents and balancing the lipophilicity and hydrophilicity of the oil. The formulated cutting fluid and its concentrate was found to be stable for a long duration. Performance comparison was carried out with a conventional mineral oil-based cutting fluid and the results shows that the non-edible vegetable oil-based cutting fluid was able to reduce the cutting forces and surface roughness and also there was a significant reduction in tool wear. ANOVA results showed that the type of cutting fluid has a significant contribution on the surface roughness (69.15%) and tool wear (56.85%). The formulated cutting fluid has better performance and the results point positively toward promoting non-edible oil-based cutting fluid in machining.