Results are presented from a series of atomic force microscope (AFM) experiments, wherein a sharp diamond indentor with a sub-micron tip radius. was directed to plow along specific crystallographic directions on selected alloy aluminum surfaces. A set of four. two-dimensionally polycrystalline aluminum alloys was chosen for this work. viz.. Al-99.99wt%. Al-0.2wt%Mg. Al-l.Owt%Mn. and Al-0.5wt%Cu. Crystallographic orientations of the surface grains upon which plowing was conducted were determined a priori through orientation imaging microscopy (OIM). Two sets of plow tracks were generated in four crystallographic directions. each set containing four plow tracks generated at four different normal indentor forces. The plow tracks were subsequently imaged to provide measurements of the plow track depths. ridge heights, and ridge angles relative to the nominal (undisturbed) surface plane. This data was then input to a model of single asperity plowing based on the upper bound theorem of plasticity for isotropic. non-strain hardening materials. The model provided estimates of surface flow strength as a function of depth of cut for each of the crystallographic directions. Experimental measurements of the friction (or plowing) force and depth of cut variations with normal indentor force are also presented.