AbstractSpindle Speed Variation (SSV) is a well known technique to suppress regenerative chatter vibration both in turning and milling operations but a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of non stationary cutting conditions is still limiting its diffusion in the industrial scenario. In this paper an experimental study regarding the effects of Spindle Speed Variation technique on tool wear in steel turning is presented. The experimental tool wear tests were arranged and performed following a full factorial design: the cutting speed and the cutting speed modulation were the main investigated factors. The flank wear width was the main considered process response and it was monitored continuously during wear tests up to the end of the tool life. The effects of the factors were analyzed through the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) approach.