The aim of this paper is to present an experimental investigation of the cutting forces, surface quality, tool wear and chip shape in ultrasonic vibration assisted turning (UAT) of 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS 304) in comparison to conventional turning (CT). This study focuses on the solution of the machining difficulties of ASS 304 and high demands for the processing quality and efficiency. The machining system of UAT is schemed out to assure the desired machining effect by utilizing ultrasonic vibration method. Meanwhile, a series of systematic experiments are performed with and without ultrasonic vibration using the designed machining system of UAT with cemented carbide coated cutting tool. The results obtained from the UAT and CT experiments demonstrate that the cutting effect of UAT is much better than that of CT. Furthermore, the results of this research indicate that the ultrasonic amplitude, cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut in UAT of ASS 304 have visible influence on the cutting forces, surface quality and tool wear. And reasonable selection of various technological variables in UAT can obtain lower cutting forces, more superior surface roughness, advantageous surface topography, slow and less tool wear, thin and smooth chips.