In this experimental study, an attempt is made to obtain optimum cutting parameters for turning of mild steel on the basis of surface roughness and surface temperature. Optimization of cutting parameters is very important to obtain a good machining quality of surface and to inhibit the increase of temperature. Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) has been introduced to avoid excessive use of cutting fluid. The parameters considered here are cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. Optimal cutting parameters for each performance measure were obtained employing Taguchi experimental method. To study the performance characteristics in turning operation Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed. It is found that cutting speed and feed has significant effect on both surface roughness and temperature.