Durston 1190 DDB 1400 Draw Bench 54" - 127.208

Durston 1190 DDB 1400 Draw Bench 54" - 127.208

The Durston DDB 1400 is a professional-grade floor-standing draw bench engineered for jewelers, goldsmiths, and metalsmiths who demand reliable performance when drawing wire. Pulling wire through a draw plate—especially on long runs or with heavier gauge stock—requires serious mechanical advantage. The DDB 1400 delivers exactly that with a dual-speed drive system: operate it in direct 1-to-1 mode for lighter diameter wire, or switch to the 4-to-1 reduction drive for demanding pulls on thicker wire. Simply crank from one side of the bench for direct drive, or move to the opposite side to engage the reduction gear.

At 54 inches in length, the DDB 1400 is the mid-size model in Durston's lineup of three floor-standing draw benches. It shares the same overall height and width dimensions as its siblings, making it a versatile fit for a well-equipped workshop where bench footprint matters. With a 950mm (37-3/8 inch) working length and the capacity to pull wire up to 10mm in diameter, this bench handles a broad range of wire-drawing tasks. Made in England to Durston's exacting standards.

Features

• Dual-speed drive system: direct 1-to-1 crank or 4-to-1 reduction for heavy wire pulls
• 950mm (37-3/8 in) working length accommodates long draw runs
• Pulls wire up to 10mm in diameter
• Mid-size floor-standing model in the Durston draw bench lineup
• Crank side selection determines drive ratio — no additional tools required to switch
• Made in England

Specifications

What our Experts Think

Q&A

Q: What is the Durston Rawhide Mallet – Medium 85mm x 50mm (137.621)?
A: It is a professional jewelry-making rawhide mallet designed for shaping and forming metal without leaving marks, ideal for goldsmithing, silversmithing, and general metalwork.

Q: What is it used for?
A: It is used for forming, bending, and flattening sheet metals while protecting the surface finish, making it essential for delicate jewelry fabrication work. 

Q: Why use a rawhide mallet instead of metal hammers?
A: Rawhide absorbs impact and prevents dents, scratches, and surface damage, making it ideal for working finished or soft metals.

Q: Is it suitable for professional use?
A: Yes, it is built for jewelry workshops and professional metal forming, offering durability and consistent performance in daily use.

Q: Does the mallet require maintenance?
A: Yes, rawhide mallets often need initial conditioning (softening the head) to achieve optimal performance and a smoother striking surface.

Q: What makes the Durston version reliable?
A: Durston tools are known for precision build quality, strong handle fitting, and long service life, making them a trusted choice in jewelry manufacturing environments.

Maintenance Tips

• Purpose-built soft-forming tool – Designed for shaping sheet metal without leaving dents or surface marks, making it ideal for jewelry and fine metalwork.
• Head construction – Made from tightly rolled buffalo rawhide, glued and screwed onto a hardwood handle for durability and controlled impact.
• Non-marking performance – The rawhide face absorbs impact, protecting soft metals while still delivering enough force for forming and planishing.
• Pre-use conditioning (important) – Lightly rasp or sand the hardened outer coating, then dampen and rework the surface to achieve a softer, more effective striking face.
• Cleaning & care – Keep dry after use; avoid soaking during storage. Lightly brush off metal dust and store in a low-humidity environment to prevent head degradation.
• Usage best practice – Use controlled, light-to-medium strikes on annealed metal only; avoid steel-to-steel contact to extend mallet life.
• Longevity tip – Trim and recondition the rawhide head over time as it wears, rather than replacing the tool.