Stainless steel encompasses a wide range of alloys with very different machining characteristics. Austenitic grades (304, 316) work-harden rapidly and require consistent chip loads. Ferritic and martensitic grades (410, 420, 17-4 PH) are more similar to carbon steel in their machining behavior. Duplex grades (2205, 2507) combine the worst of both worlds - high strength and work-hardening tendency. This guide covers the right tool and parameters for each stainless family.