In this study, the effect of the microstructure, hardness, and cutting speed on main cutting force and surface roughness in medium carbon microalloyed steel cooled in different mediums after hot forging, was investigated. As-received sample, which was not hot forged, and the samples cooled in the sand, air, oil, and polymerized water after hot forging were used for the experimental studies. The machinability tests were performed via turning method by using coated carbide and coated ceramic cutting tools with five cutting speed (120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 m/min), constant feed rate (0.04 mm/rev), and constant depth of cut (0.6 mm). The microstructure examinations of the samples were carried out and their hardness values were determined. Also, the wear of cutting tools were examined with scanning electron microscope. In the experimental study, it was revealed that the microstructure, hardness and cutting speed had a significant effect on the surface roughness values of the samples cooled in dissimilar environments following forging. Moreover, the samples cooled in air and polymerized water, whose hardness increased depending on the increase in the cooling rate, had the highest cutting force after machining by using the coated carbide and ceramic tool.