This paper discusses the influence of cutting variables such as feed, cutting speed and depth of cut at work-tool interface zone temperature and surface finish while machining aluminium alloy LM6 reinforced with Al2O3 metal matrix composites. Response surface methodology with central composite rotatable design matrix was employed to optimise and analyse the cutting variables. Second order regression models were developed for predicting the output responses and the adequacy of the developed model was tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA results revealed that the feed and depth of cut were the major influencing parameters for the work-tool interface temperature and cutting speed and feed were prominent influential parameters in surface roughness. The optimal parameters for multiple responses were arrived for the specified range of input parameters using overall desirability index.