Inter-diffusion of elements between the tool and the workpiece during the turning of aluminum bronze using high-speed steel and cemented carbide tools have been studied. The tool wear samples were prepared by using M2 high-speed steel and YW1 cemented carbide tools to turn a novel high strength, wear-resistance aluminum bronze without coolant and lubricant. Adhesion of workpiece materials was found on all tools' surface. The diffusion couples made of tool materials and aluminum bronze were prepared to simulate the inter-diffusion during the machining. The results obtained from tool wear samples were compared with those obtained from diffusion couples. Strong inter-diffusion between the tool materials and the aluminum bronze was observed in all samples. It is concluded that diffusion plays a significant role in the tool wear mechanism.