Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Bald eagle reamer holder

Hi
I have the above reamer holder but have not used it much and then only with hss reamers at about 180 rpm I have been happy with the results ive had but have had a couple of hand slaps when the reamers grabbed.
I've a new project to do now and the only reamer I could find was a carbide one which as far as I'm told needs to be spun faster at approx 320 rpm??
I would value the benefit of anyone's experience with a bald eagle holder at this higher rpm and any advice as to how to avoid any problems
Thank you
Bob

I've seen guys use a short piece of pipe or tubing braced on the cross to hold the bald eagle. When they get to the end of the cut, they pull the pipe loose.

I use a modified tap wrench and like the results, but I turn slower than you.

Thanks for the reply and suggestion.
what kind of speeds are you cutting at?
Thanks
Bob

I would be lying if I quoted you a speed. My lathe is variable speed and I don't look at it, just feel. My guess is 140 ish on the high end and 80ish on the low.

I chamber at about the same speed as Highcountry and mine is a variable speed also. I do drill and taper bore before chambering with my Bald Eagle clone. I've not had a problem "YET".

Something to be aware of with carbide reamers. If it is a production reamer they are commonly made .010" oversized on the body so they can get more life out of them as they wear and can be resharpened a couple more times. Just ask the maker if it is a min spec otherwise if it simply says Saami it may be oversized.

Thanks guys
I usually drill and bore first and except for the reamer grabbing and whipping the handle of the bald eagle out of my hand a few times I've not had any problems
I have been told that if you cut too slow with a carbide reamer it wears them blunt very quickly and another source has said that happened to him with carbide at low revs
I'm just a little nervous using a bald eagle as fast as Ive been told to.
I believe it says to use speeds in the 3-400 rpm on ptg's website
Bob

Didn't know that, thanks I'll check it
Bob

I do not have any carbide reamers. Are you sure on the .010 oversize? I can't buy that.

It's only on the body, not the neck or datum line. Most would never notice it except for the extra bulge you see in the brass on fired rounds. Both Dave of PTG, Ken (owner) and Cary at JGS have told me about this. At JGS it's no secret. Getting a straight answer or an answer from someone that knows is a lot tougher at PTG. I knew about this years ago due to I build a lot of guns where people demand interchangeable fired brass with other rifles I have built. Seeing behind he scenes is part of the benefit of living close to the sources.

It's not a huge deal. It doesn't hurt accuracy and sized brass fits easier but at the expense of shorter brass life.

If you have the reamer built to your spec it's not on there but Saami in stock carbide reamers frequently have it.

The Bald Eagle is the only reamer holder I use and I have a small piece of round aluminum bar stock 5 to 6 inch's long I drilled to hold it. I have never used a carbide reamer and I cut my chambers at 115 rpm's.

I still don't buy it, but will give you the benefit until?

I use the case holder that comes with Sinclair neck turner