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which floating reamer holder to purchase

PFAK

Looking for opinions on which type of floating reamer holder to purchase. Looks like the Kennemetal MT3 is out of production. I prefer a holder that will slip if the reamer happens to grab. I tried a Bald Eagle and didn't care for it. I am wondering if anybody has any experience with the Gre-Tan
model. Any opions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
I have seen the Clymer and Manson floating reamer holders in use. I couldn't tell if one was better than the other, but I was told that the Manson design doesn't try to center up under load. I think that's good. I don't think either one of them will slip though. Both have a setscrew that seats on the flat at the back of a reamer.

You should get more replies.

Tom
 
I have 3 different reamer holders and the best is the one Rockjag4 is showing, floats prefectly. I have probly chambered 250 barrels and this is far superior. Just my .02
 
ROCKJAG4,
Can you explain how your holder is different than a Bald Eagle holder. When I used the Bald Eagle it would grab on the grooves during the reaming process. I was running the lathe at
60 rpm which I have been told is the problem. Dave at Pt@G told me to run about 120 rpm. Once you get the chamber reamer in to body diameter does the grabbing disappear. I am used to using a Kennemetal floater and you feel nothing.I am interested in the holder I just need a little info. Thank you Paul.
 
PFAK said:
ROCKJAG4,
Can you explain how your holder is different than a Bald Eagle holder. When I used the Bald Eagle it would grab on the grooves during the reaming process. I was running the lathe at
60 rpm which I have been told is the problem. Dave at Pt@G told me to run about 120 rpm. Once you get the chamber reamer in to body diameter does the grabbing disappear. I am used to using a Kennemetal floater and you feel nothing.I am interested in the holder I just need a little info. Thank you Paul.
Click to expand...

I too am interesred in how it differs from a Bald Eagle. Could you elaborate?
 
Pfak, Rockjag.

Update on the Rockjag reamer holder. I'm about 3/4 of the way in on a 7mm Rem Mag chamber. I really like Rockjag's holder. It's the first time I've got to use it. It surprised me how much torque is applied to the handle, but being able to feel the reamer is great. It is also very easy to rotate the reamer and clean it when it's out.

The Manson reamer is very sharp and the chamber is slick. It may be just this particular reamer, but it handles a heavy chip load and still cuts smooth. I've fed .050" per cut with no loading up or choking, and no rings or marks. It feels like it would keep on cutting smoothly, but my nerves won't handle more than .050" at a time. When I get closer, I'll drop back to .025" and then to .010" per cut. Probably don't have to, but???

Only drawback on this holder is I can't use it sitting down, and every hour or so, I'll stop and sit for awhile to get the load off my feet. Small price to pay. I can't see ever going back to the Clymer tailstock mounted holder. Too many advantages with this one.

Fitch, if you see this, I'm using your reaming technique with a couple of minor adaptations. It is going very well. I use the Hawkeye every 3 or 4 cuts, and the chamber is as good as I've ever done so far. Thanks for sharing.

Tom
 
Finished the chamber late last night. I don't know how to do one better. Even with the borescope, the chamber walls look like they are polished. In the lathe, the bolt closed on the go-gage + .0015". Made up in the vise to 100 ft/lbs, it will almost close on the go-gage, and takes factory ammo smoothly.

Other than having to stand up, and having to relocate my dial indicator to clear the reamer holder handle, I had no problems at all. I still can't see ever going back to the tailstock mounted holder. This one just has too many advantages.

Rockjag4, this is one of my best investments. Thanks, Tom
 
PFAK said:
ROCKJAG4,
Can you explain how your holder is different than a Bald Eagle holder. When I used the Bald Eagle it would grab on the grooves during the reaming process. I was running the lathe at
60 rpm which I have been told is the problem. Dave at Pt@G told me to run about 120 rpm. Once you get the chamber reamer in to body diameter does the grabbing disappear. I am used to using a Kennemetal floater and you feel nothing.I am interested in the holder I just need a little info. Thank you Paul.
Click to expand...
I run a hand floater at 200-240rpm for a .473 sized reamer, 270 for a 5.56 size, after you get to the neck the grabbing does go away. That rpm only works with a flush system.
 
I bought a FRH from ROCKJAG4, and am very pleased. So far I have set back 5 high mileage target barrels with very encouraging results.
 
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