The article presents the experimental results of the influences of machining conditions and tool orientation on cutting forces during the end milling of free-form surfaces. A series of experiments are carried out on the machining of steel 3 blanks on a five-axis milling machine model HSC 75 linear using 2-flute and 4-flute ball end mills from MITSUBISHI with diameters from 5 mm to 10 mm. The dependency diagrams and graphs of cutting forces and their projections on cutting time are given at different spindle speeds, feeds per tooth, depths of cut, tilt angles and lead angle when using different ball end mills. Based on the results of the analysis of experimental data, the theoretical conclusion about the increase in cutting forces with increasing feed per tooth, cutting depth and spindle speed in relation to the ball end milling process is confirmed. The critical tool positions with respect to the surface, at which cutting forces have maximum values, are revealed. The obtained results allow developing recommendations for the choice of the tool position during end milling of free-form surfaces to reduce loads on the tool