The development of ecological awareness followed by stringent laws on the protection of natural resources and workers direct the manufacturing industry at the development and implementation of alternative methods for cooling and/or lubrication in the machining of metals. The paper investigates the feasibility of using a vortex tube for cooling when turning martensitic stainless steel. Experimental research was conducted to understand the effects of vortex tube cooling on the corrosion resistance of the machined surface and on production costs. It has been determined that the vortex tube cooling has no significant influence on the corrosion resistance and that the tool costs have the most significant influence on the unit production cost. In conclusion, compared to the conventional emulsion cooling in metal cutting, the vortex tube cooling offers a cost-effective solution to the sustainable turning of martensitic stainless steel.