The article is devoted to the issues regarding assessment of the impact of changes in the delay in the feed direction on the dynamics of metal processing with metal-cutting machines. Here, for the first time, it is proposed that we take into account, when constructing models of the cutting control system, the real value of the delay value. It is this model that allows us to adequately consider the dynamics of the cutting process, by clarifying the effect of vibration regeneration. In this article, much attention is paid to describing the development of a measuring system that allows the calculation of the real value of the feed during cutting. It describes a series of experiments, and shows the results of data processing, using software developed by the authors. The studies conducted have shown that, in addition to the vibrations of the cutting tool in the feed direction, the vibration activity of the tool in the cutting direction plays an essential role in ensuring the regenerative effect. It should be noted that, currently, this is a new area of knowledge regarding processes in metalworking, and it requires further study.