Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench - 127.205DURS

Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench - 127.205DURS

A draw bench transforms the demanding, repetitive work of reducing wire through multiple draw plate holes into a manageable, efficient process. The Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench is a compact, high-quality unit built for professional jewelers and metalsmiths who need reliable wire-drawing performance without dedicating a full floor-standing bench to the task.

This draw bench accommodates a continuous piece of wire up to 24" (600 mm) in length. It must be mounted at the edge of a table or workbench to allow full range of motion for the handle. Permanent mounting is achieved via two mounting holes located at either end of the bench, or the unit can be temporarily secured to a bench surface using L-clamps through the holes on the side. When not in use, the draw bench can be hung on a wall or stored away, making it well suited for shops where space is at a premium.

Features

• Compact table-top design mounts at the edge of a bench or table
• Draws continuous wire up to 24" (600 mm) in length
• Two mounting holes at each end for permanent installation
• Side holes accommodate L-clamps for temporary bench mounting
• 4-to-1 gearbox reduction for controlled, consistent wire drawing
• Top-quality construction from extruded steel
• Includes German-made draw tongs
• Can be wall-hung or stored when not in use

Specifications

Included

• Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench
• German-made draw tongs

What our Experts Think

• Compact Wire Drawing Solution for Studios
  The Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench is designed to simplify wire reduction, replacing repeated draw plate work with a controlled pulling system that improves speed and consistency.
• Efficient 4:1 Gear Reduction System
  Built-in gearbox reduces effort significantly, allowing smoother drawing of wire up to approx. 5mm maximum size, making it suitable for fine to medium gauge jewellery wire production.
• Space-Saving Tabletop Design
  At around 1 meter in length and ~24kg weight, it mounts easily on a bench or table and can be stored away when not in use—ideal for small studios.
• Workshop-Ready Construction
  Made from durable extruded steel for stability during pulling operations, ensuring consistent alignment and long-term reliability under repeated use.
• Includes Professional Draw Tongs
  Supplied with German-made draw tongs for immediate use, enabling direct integration into wire-making workflows without additional core tooling.
• Ideal for Jewellery Wire Production
  Perfect for goldsmiths and silversmiths producing chain, findings, or custom wire profiles where accuracy and repeatability matter more than volume-heavy industrial output.
• Flexible Setup & Storage
  Can be clamped, bolted, or temporarily mounted depending on workspace needs, making it adaptable for both permanent studios and mobile setups.

Q&A

Q: What is the Durston 1200 Table Top Draw Bench (127.205DURS)?
A: It is a compact manual draw bench for jewelry making used to reduce wire thickness by pulling metal through drawplates, making wire drawing faster and more controlled.

Q: What is it used for?
A: It is used to draw (thin and elongate) metal wire, turning thicker wire into finer gauges for jewelry fabrication, chainmaking, and metalwork.

Q: How does it work?
A: The machine grips the metal using draw tongs and pulls it through a drawplate using a geared hand-crank system, allowing controlled reduction of wire size in a straight, consistent manner.

Q: What materials can it be used on?
A: It is suitable for gold, silver, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals commonly used in jewelry production.

Q: Is it manual or powered?
A: It is a manual machine, operated by hand via a lever system with mechanical advantage.

Q: What is the main benefit of this tool?
A: It significantly reduces the physical effort needed to draw wire and improves precision, consistency, and efficiency compared to doing it by hand with pliers.

Q: Who is it designed for?
A: It is designed for professional jewellers, students, and small workshops that need controlled wire production in a compact setup.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean draw plate area after every use – Remove wire shavings and dust from the drawplate and guide channel to prevent scratching and uneven wire drawing.
• Keep tongs and grip area clean – Wipe draw tongs regularly so they maintain strong grip on wire and don’t slip during pulling.
• Lubricate drawplate lightly – Use a small amount of drawing wax or lubricant on wire before pulling to reduce friction and extend die life.
• Maintain gearbox (4:1 reduction) – Periodically apply light grease to the gears and handle mechanism to ensure smooth, low-effort drawing.
• Secure mounting is critical – Always clamp or bolt the bench firmly to a stable work surface before use to prevent movement during pulling force.
• Inspect drawplate holes regularly – Check for wear or scoring in frequently used sizes; damaged holes can affect wire accuracy and finish.
• Keep dry to prevent rust – Wipe down steel surfaces after use and store in a low-humidity environment to protect precision parts.
• Avoid overloading wire capacity – Do not exceed recommended wire size (~5mm max) and reduce in stages rather than forcing heavy draws.
• Store tongs separately and safely – Prevent bending or jaw damage by hanging or placing tongs in a dedicated holder when not in use.
• Check alignment before every session – Ensure the wire path is straight to avoid uneven tension and reduce strain on the gearbox and frame.