The article presents the results of works on the analysis of the possibility of using force measurements to determine the state of the machining process, both in relation to the phenomena occurring during machining and the workpiece itself compared to acoustic emission signal (AE). The research and analyzes were carried out for the commonly used material removal processes of objects; turning, milling, grinding and drilling. Various materials were processed - metal alloy Hardox 400 as well as fiber composite materials (GFRP - Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) and polymer construction material RenShape® BM5035 with various structures. As a result of the conducted analyzes, it was determined that the forces generated in the machine tool-holder-workpiece-tool layout can constitute a good diagnostic signal, on the basis of which it is possible to conclude about the state of the process.