A simplified method for modeling the cooling process of steel parts (cylinder, pipe) was developed. The calculation algorithm is based on the numerical solution of one dimensional heat conduction equation by E. Schmidt finite difference method. The calculation sequence is considered by the example of oil and air cooling of steel cylinders. It is shown by means of Fisher criterion, that modeling results are in good agreement with experimental data from reliable references. The algorithm is considered to be useful for solving an inverse problem of heat conduction when the determination of heat transfer coefficient is needed.