Abstract. In the paper a cutting stability in the milling process of nickel based alloy Inconel 625 is analysed. This problem is often considered theoretically, but the theoretical finding do not always agree with experimental results. For this reason, the paper presents different methods for instability identification during real machining process. A stability lobe diagram is created based on data obtained in impact test of an end mill. Next, the cutting tests were conducted in which the axial cutting depth of cut was gradually increased in order to find a stability limit. Finally, based on the cutting force measurements the stability estimation problem is investigated using the recurrence plot technique and Hilbert vibration decomposition method.