Abstract In the present investigation on magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process, Taguchi design of experiments is applied to find out important parameters influencing the surface quality generated. Important parameters influencing the surface quality generated during the MAF are identified as: (i) voltage (DC) applied to the electromagnet, (ii) working gap, (iii) rotational speed of the magnet, and (iv) abrasive size (mesh number). Experimental results indicate that for a change in surface roughness (ΔRa), voltage and working gap are found to be the most significant parameters followed by grain mesh number and then rotational speed. To analyze the finishing process, a force transducer has been designed and fabricated to measure forces acting during MAF.