Machinability assessment of two ceramic materials was carried out using uncoated carbide tool inserts under dry conditions. The materials investigated were Macor and Boron nitride and the machining operation was a continuous operation (turning). The objectives of this investigation were to generate reliable machining data in terms of surface finish, tool life and cutting force in relation to cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The cutting tests were carried out using one-variable-at-a-time and design of experiments. For one variable at-a-time experiment, surface finish, cutting forces and tool life were measured. In these tests the cutting variables i.e, cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and nose radius were varied to study their effects on the surface finish, tool life and cutting forces. With the design of experiments, the combined effects of the cutting variables were investigated on the machining responses. The experimental data on the design of experiments were analysed by the response surface methodology. Using the mathematical models for different responses, a computerized machinability data base system was developed to facilitate the optimum selection of cutting parameters.