AA2024-T351 alloys are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their high strength to weight ratio and ductility. The present paper investigates the machinability of AA2024-T351 material with uncoated carbide tools. Orthogonal machining experiments were performed at varying cutting speeds and feed rates with a constant depth of cut. Machinability studies were done using cutting forces, coefficient of friction and chip morphology. As the feed rate increased both cutting force and feed forces were found to be increased whereas the coefficient of friction decreased. Chip formation process was significantly influenced by the operating conditions. In addition, the shear angle and contact length were determined analytically. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.