The main objective of proposed work is to determine the influence of controllable parameters on machining characteristics of Inconel-718 and to achieve the optimum parameters for sustainable and efficient turning. Understanding the consequences of advanced tool materials together with higher cutting speeds on the formation of residual stresses and therefore the underlying mechanisms of small structural alteration within the subterranean layer thereby becomes terribly crucial for predicting product quality and more optimizing the machining conditions. Controllable cutting parameters such as cutting velocity, feed rate and depth of cut were selected at different level for experimentations in accordance with the Taguchi L9 array method using Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) cutting condition and three different tools namely PVD TiAlN carbide, Cubic boron nitride and ceramic. Extensive study is done on the resulting surface roughness, surface subsurface hardness, tool wear and chip morphology. The results obtained from each of the tool were thoroughly analyzed and finally the optimized parameters are obtained for efficient machining of Inconel 718. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.