Abstract <p>The article is devoted to an assessment of the effect of the thermodynamics of the cutting process on the regenerative properties of models of cutting force formation when turning metal workpieces. The established in research literature assessment of the influence of the regenerative nature of cutting on the stability of metalworking processes does not include consideration of temperature effects, which largely determine the properties of force interaction. Incorporating these effects reveals that the variation in the cutting area is not significant, as would be suggested by mechanical analysis of metal cutting. This consideration of the thermodynamics of cutting provides a fresh perspective on the problem of cutting speed selection, which should be based on the criterion of optimal cutting temperature instead of analysis of regenerative chatter lobes.</p>