Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear - 153.894
Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear - 153.894
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Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear - 153.894
Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear - 153.894
Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear is a compact, bench-mounted sheet-metal cutter built for precise, repeatable cuts in a professional jewelry or metalsmithing studio. It handles stock up to 110 mm (4-3/8") wide, cutting 2 mm (approx. 12 ga) non-ferrous metal and 1 mm (approx. 18 ga) mild steel with clean, controlled results. The updated design features a patent-pending stainless-steel table, an improved 6" backstop, and a square-drive system that work together for consistent, accurate cuts every time. A built-in adjustable mitre gauge and integrated ruler enable straight and angled cuts up to 60° in 5° increments, making this shear equally capable for precise right-angle trimming and angled work.
Features
- Cutting capacity: Up to 110 mm (4-3/8") wide; 2 mm (12 ga) non-ferrous or 1 mm (18 ga) mild steel
- Four-edge blade: Precision-ground, hardened and tempered blade with four usable cutting edges — rotate as needed for extended service life
- Patent-pending table: Stainless-steel work surface supports stock for clean, even shearing
- Improved 6" backstop: Paired with a square-drive system for repeatable, accurate positioning
- Mitre gauge and ruler: Adjustable built-in mitre gauge for angled cuts from 0° to 60° in 5° increments
- Hand-bar operation: Provides controlled, steady cutting action at the bench
- Bench-mountable: Designed to be secured to a work surface for maximum stability during use
- Made in the United Kingdom
Specifications
| Model | Durston 1206 |
|---|---|
| Max Cut Width | 4-3/8" (110 mm) |
| Max Thickness – Non-Ferrous | 2 mm (approx. 12 gauge) |
| Max Thickness – Mild Steel | 1 mm (approx. 18 gauge) |
| Angle Range | 0°–60° in 5° increments |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 8-5/8" × 6-3/4" × 5-1/8" (220 × 170 × 130 mm) |
| Net Weight | 18-1/4 lb (8.3 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 22-1/8 lb (10 kg) |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
What our Experts Think
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Compact Precision Cutting Tool
The Durston 1206 4" Guillotine Shear (153.894) is a bench-mounted precision shear designed for clean, accurate straight cuts in small sheet metal work, ideal for jewellery fabrication and workshop use. -
Improved Modern Cutting System
Features a patent-pending table design, upgraded 6" backstop, and square-drive system, ensuring stronger torque transfer and more stable, repeatable cuts with less effort. -
High Cutting Accuracy & Control
Built-in mitre gauge and angle guide (0°–60° in 5° steps) allow precise angled cuts, making it useful for both straight trimming and shaped components. -
Durable Hardened Blade System
Equipped with a precision-ground, hardened and tempered blade with four usable edges, extending tool life significantly before sharpening is required. -
Stable Cast-Iron Construction
Heavy-duty cast iron frame and bench-mounting points provide rigidity and vibration-free operation for consistent cutting results. -
Workshop Efficiency Focused
Designed for fast, repeatable cutting of sheet metal up to ~110mm width, reducing manual sawing time and improving production workflow.
Q&A
Q: What is the Durston 4" Guillotine Shear used for?
A: It is a precision bench tool designed to cut sheet metal cleanly and accurately in jewelry making and metal fabrication, ideal for straight and angled cuts.
Q: What is the cutting capacity?
A: It can cut up to 110mm (4") wide non-ferrous sheet metal up to 2mm thick, and around 1mm in mild steel, depending on material hardness and setup.
Q: Can it cut angled shapes?
A: Yes, it includes a built-in mitre gauge and adjustable guide system, allowing angled cuts up to 60° in 5° increments.
Q: What materials can it handle?
A: It is suitable for gold, silver, copper, brass, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals, plus thinner mild steel sheets.
Q: What makes this model different from basic shears?
A: It features a square drive system for higher torque, a hardened steel blade with four usable edges, and a precision support table for repeatable cuts.
Q: Is the blade replaceable or serviceable?
A: Yes, the blade has four cutting edges and can be rotated for extended service life before sharpening or replacement is needed.
Q: Is it suitable for professional use?
A: Yes, it is built from a rigid cast iron body with precision-ground components, designed for daily workshop use in professional jewelry environments.
Q: Does it need mounting?
A: Yes, it is designed to be bench-mounted or bolted down for stability and accurate cutting performance.
Q: What makes it a popular workshop tool?
A: It delivers clean, burr-free cuts with minimal finishing, saving time compared to sawing and improving production efficiency in jewelry work.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean after each use: Remove metal chips and debris from blade and base to maintain cutting precision.
- Lubricate pivot points: Regularly oil the hinge, blade pivot, and moving joints for smooth, controlled cutting action.
- Keep blade sharp: Inspect cutting edge frequently and sharpen or replace when cuts become rough or require extra force.
- Use within capacity: Only cut recommended gauge materials to avoid blade damage and misalignment.
- Check blade alignment: Ensure blade is properly seated for clean, straight, and accurate cuts.
- Prevent rust: Wipe down with light oil after use, especially in humid environments.
- Tighten hardware: Periodically check bolts and fasteners for stability and safe operation.
