What is one potential effect of using a reamer with a dull tip?

Using a reamer with a dull tip can lead to finish tears in workpieces. A reamer is designed to achieve precise dimensions and smooth finishes in holes. However, when the cutting edges are dull, they can no longer cut smoothly, which may result in tearing or chipping of the material during the reaming process. This occurs because the dull edges do not effectively shear the material as intended, leading to rougher finishes and potential damage to the workpiece.

In contrast, a sharp reamer produces cleanly machined surfaces and accurately sized holes. Other potential effects of a dull reamer, such as decreased tool life, inaccurate hole size, and increased material waste may also arise, but they are not as directly related to the immediate issue of finish quality as tearing is. Thus, the immediate consequence of using a dull reamer focuses on the deterioration of the workpiece's surface finish.