A two-dimensional finite element (FE) model for the high speed turning operations when orthogonally machining AISI H13 tool steel at 49HRC using poly crystalline cubic boron nitride(PCBN) is described. An arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method has been adopted which does not need any chip separation criteria as opposed to the traditional Lagrangian approach. Through FE simulations temperature and stresses distributions are presented that could be helpful in predicting tool life and improving process parameters. The results show that high temperatures are generated along the tool rake face as compared to the shear zone temperatures due to high thermal conductivity of PCBN tools.