Surface roughness and residual stress are considered to be major surface integrity issues that directly affect the quality and life of the components. The current research work highlights surface quality and residual stresses induced while machining Inconel 718 with a range of cutting parameters and cutting environments. Further, the study aimed to determine the optimal parameters/conditions in terms of cutting speeds, tool materials and cutting conditions to achieve better surface quality and minimum residual stress values. Minimum quantity lubrication resulted in minimum residual values for all cutting inserts and cutting velocities. The minimum surface roughness was obtained while machining at 100 m/min using a carbide insert under flood cooling condition.