Design/methodology/approach A full factorial boring experiment with three factors at two levels was conducted to analyze systematically the impact of cutting parameters on the tool wear behavior. The evolution of tool wear over the machining time was recorded, and the influences of the cutting parameters and nose radius on wear behavior of the tool were examined. Findings The results show that higher cutting parameters lead to significant wear or plastic deformation at the tool nose. When the cutting depth is less than the nose radius, the tool wear tends to be minimized. Larger nose radius tools have weaker chip-breaking but greater strength and wear resistance. Higher cutting parameters reduce wear for the tools with larger nose radius, maintaining their integrity. Wear mechanisms are primarily abrasive, adhesive and diffusion wear. Furthermore, the full-factorial analysis of variance revealed that for the tool with rε = 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, the factors contributing the most to tool wear were cutting speed (38.76%) and cutting depth (86.43%), respectively. Originality/value This study is of great significance for selection of cutting tools and cutting parameters for boring 1Cr17Ni2 martensitic stainless-steel parts. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0266/