Statistics for Reaming is carried out after twist drilling to enlarge and finish the holes accurately. The experiments were carried out on mild-steel workpieces at different reaming conditions and the accuracy and surface finish values are very briefly compared with the results of earlier investigators. A detailed analysis of the harmonic contents of the axial and transverse profiles of the reamed holes was carried out to bring out the process characteristics. A preliminary study of the cutting forces in reaming based on the spectral analysis is also reported. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.