Excellent 4.9 | 18,452 reviews

Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear - 153.8912

Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear - 153.8912

$1,221.99
$1,221.99 $1,628.00
SAVE 24% Sold out
Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear - 153.8912

Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear - 153.8912

$1,221.99
$1,221.99 $1,628.00
SAVE 24% Sold out

Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear - 153.8912

This updated 12" guillotine shear is sized for jewelry and small metalsmithing sheet work, combining a solid bench presence with a smoother, lighter feel than earlier heavy-duty models. As you pull the handle through a cut, the blade tracks down in a precise, controlled arc for clean, straight shears.

Features
  • New-generation 12" bench shear design patterned after Durston’s 4" and 6" guillotine shears for a lighter, more compact footprint.
  • Stainless steel worktable supports sheet as it feeds into the cutting area for even, controlled cuts.
  • Integrated adjustable mitre gauge and ruler for repeatable straight and angled cuts.
  • Hand lever operates a precision ground, hardened and tempered blade for a crisp shearing action.
  • Removable handle extension included to increase leverage when extra force is required.
  • Four-edge blade can be rotated as edges wear to extend service life.
  • Heavy-duty construction built to be bench mounted for stable use in the workshop.
Specifications
Maximum Cutting Width 12" (300 mm)
Maximum Non-Ferrous Sheet Thickness 2 mm (approx. 12 gauge)
Maximum Mild Steel Thickness 1 mm (approx. 18 gauge)
Blade Type Precision ground, hardened and tempered blade with 4 usable cutting edges
Cutting Angle Range Up to 60° in 5° increments (with built-in mitre gauge)
Table Material Stainless steel
Operation Manual lever with optional extension handle
Mounting Bench mount (mounting hardware not included)
Length 16" (400 mm)
Width 14-1/2" (370 mm)
Height 10-5/8" (270 mm)
Weight 130 lb (59 kg)
Manufactured In United Kingdom
Brand Durston
What our Experts Think
  • Next-generation bench cutting performance: The Durston 1208 New Version 12" Guillotine Shear (153.8912) is a redesigned professional shear built for cleaner, more controlled sheet metal cutting in jewellery workshops.
  • Improved cutting stability system: Features an upgraded square drive mechanism and reinforced backstop, delivering stronger torque transfer and more precise, repeatable cuts.
  • Enhanced material control: A redesigned stainless steel worktable supports larger sheet formats and helps maintain alignment during angled or straight cuts.
  • Precision angle versatility: Allows angled cutting up to ~55–60° in small increments, ideal for fabrication, layout work, and consistent repeat production.
  • Heavy-duty blade engineering: Precision-ground, hardened, and tempered blade with multiple cutting edges for long service life and reduced maintenance downtime.
  • Workshop-grade build quality: Solid cast iron body ensures rigidity under load, reducing deflection and improving cut accuracy even with thicker non-ferrous sheets.
  • Productivity-focused upgrade: Designed to replace older guillotine models with a smoother action, better leverage efficiency, and improved operator control for daily studio use.

Q&A

Q: What is the Durston 1208 12" Guillotine Shear used for?
A: It is a professional bench-mounted cutting shear designed for straight and angled cutting of sheet metal used in jewellery making and metal fabrication.

Q: What materials can it cut?
A: It is suitable for non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, and aluminium, and can also cut thin mild steel depending on thickness.

Q: What is its cutting capacity?
A: It can cut up to 12" (300mm) wide sheet metal, with a maximum thickness of around 2mm for non-ferrous metals (and thinner for steel).

Q: What makes the “New Version” different?
A: The updated design features a lighter, improved frame inspired by smaller Durston guillotines, while maintaining precision cutting and control.

Q: Can it cut angles?
A: Yes, it includes an adjustable mitre guide and cutting system allowing angled cuts up to around 60° in 5° increments, depending on setup.

Q: What is the blade like?
A: It uses a precision-ground, hardened and tempered steel blade with 4 usable cutting edges, extending its service life.

Q: Does it reduce metal distortion?
A: Yes, the guillotine action is designed to give clean, controlled cuts with minimal deformation on the sheet edge compared to manual shearing tools.

Q: Is it suitable for professional workshops?
A: Yes, it is built for daily studio use, offering repeatable accuracy and stable bench mounting for production work.

Q: What makes this model stand out overall?
A: Its key strengths are wide 12" cutting capacity, improved guide system, and precise angle control, making it ideal for efficient, repeatable sheet metal cutting in jewellery production.


Maintenance Tips
  • Clean blade after every use: Remove metal chips and filings from the cutting edge, table, and backstop to maintain precision cuts and prevent scoring.
  • Lubricate pivot & drive system: Lightly oil the square drive mechanism, hinge points, and moving joints for smooth, high-torque operation.
  • Rotate blade edges: The hardened blade has multiple cutting edges—rotate when performance drops instead of over-sharpening to extend service life.
  • Check backstop alignment: Ensure the upgraded bearing-guided backstop is tight and stable for repeatable, accurate cuts.
  • Avoid over-thickness cutting: Stay within rated capacity to protect blade integrity and maintain smooth leverage action.
  • Keep table clean & rust-free: Wipe down stainless steel support table to ensure smooth sheet feeding and prevent drag.
  • Tighten mounting bolts: Secure to a stable bench to avoid vibration and maintain cutting accuracy under load.
  • Prevent corrosion: Lightly oil exposed metal surfaces if stored in humid environments.
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