In order to achieve the rapid prediction of cutting forces，a new method that combined with finite element method (FEM) and empirical formula method to realize the prediction of cutting force was proposed. The AdvantEdge of finite element analysis (FEA) software was used to establish the 3D model of turning, the turning forces were analyzed, and the mathematic model of turning forces was constructed by using the experiential formula. Based on the data of finite element values and the empirical formula values, a prediction system of turning forces was developed by using Visual FoxPro. In order to verify the accuracy of the FEM, the turning force experiment was carried out. Through contrastive analyses of the finite element value, empirical formula value and experimental value under the same cutting condition, the results prove that the FEM used is feasible to realize the cutting force prediction. 