The properties of cutting force and workpiece deflection in skiving process are investigated experimentally. It is found that the ploughing force acting on a cutting edge has a large proportion of total cutting force. The recommended ranges of the nominal rake angle and the plan angle of a cutting tool are discussed with reference to tool forces and chip formation. From the viewpoint of stiffness, a workpiece supported with the fixed center is better than one with the revolving center at the tailstock and the countersink diameter of center hole should be taken as large as possible.