A sensing method using an acoustic signal obtained in a relative low frequency range through a solid path for the monitoring of tool wear has been investigated. Such acoustic signals could be in the form of stress waves that are released during a machining process, which can be picked up by a regular ferroelectric microphone. Data analysis was conducted in both time and frequency domains. A clear pattern in such signals corresponding to the tool wear conditions has been identified. Several components in spectra were found in the pattern for indicating sudden changes of tool wear or breakage occurring at major cutting edges. It was also observed that the RMS and variance values of the signals could indicate the specific wear condition of the tool. Therefore, this kind of acoustic signal carries sensitive information about the progress of tool wear and can be implemented on line for monitoring tool wear.