An original experimental device is used to reproduce conditions of orthogonal cutting for a wide range of cutting speeds (from 15 to about 100 m/s) (Sutter et al.). Improvement of the initial device (Sutter et al.) makes it possible to record both values of normal and tangential forces in orthogonal cutting. An analysis of the tool–chip friction is then possible for a large range of cutting speeds. The evolution of cutting force components as well as the evolution of the friction coefficient are presented and analyzed. In addition, the process of chip formation during high speed machining is illustrated by photographic recording with a high speed camera.