Durston 1213 DDB 1100 Draw Bench 42" - 127.205

Durston 1213 DDB 1100 Draw Bench 42" - 127.205

Pulling wire through a draw plate can be a difficult task, and near impossible when making long pulls on thick wire. The Durston DDB 1100 is a floor-standing jeweler's draw bench designed to make wire drawing efficient and manageable — an essential tool in any well-equipped goldsmith's workshop.

This bench operates at two speeds: a direct 1-to-1 crank for lighter diameter wire drawing, or a 4-to-1 reduction for heavier wire pulls. Simply use the crank from one side of the bench for direct drive, or switch to the other side for the reduction ratio. At 42" in length, it is the most compact of the three Durston floor-standing draw bench models — also known as the Durston 1213 Student Draw Bench.

Features

• Two-speed operation: direct 1-to-1 drive or 4-to-1 reduction for heavy wire pulls
• 25‑½" (650mm) working length
• Pulls wire up to 10mm in diameter
• Most compact of the three Durston floor-standing draw bench models
• Crank side selection switches between direct and reduction drive
• Made in England

Specifications

What our Experts Think

• Professional Wire Drawing Control
  The Durston 1213 DDB 1100 is a floor-standing drawbench designed for precise wire reduction, replacing manual pulling with a smooth crank-driven system for consistent results.
• Dual-Speed Gear System (Direct + 4:1 Reduction)
  Switch between fast direct drive for light work and geared reduction for heavier pulls, giving full control over speed vs. force depending on wire thickness.
• Compact 42" Workshop Footprint
  The 1100mm class design makes it the most compact Durston drawbench, ideal for smaller studios without sacrificing industrial capability.
• Handles Up to 10mm Wire Diameter
  Suitable for both fine jewellery wire production and heavier fabrication work, making it versatile across goldsmithing workflows.
• Heavy-Duty UK Build Quality
  Built with a rigid steel frame for long-term stability, ensuring accurate alignment and smooth pulling under repeated load.
• Efficient Workshop Upgrade
  Greatly improves wire consistency, reduces manual strain, and increases productivity compared to hand-pulling through drawplates.
• Ideal for Jewellery Production Studios
  Best suited for goldsmiths, chain makers, and workshops that require repeatable, controlled wire reduction in a compact footprint.

Q&A

Q: What is the Durston 1213 DDB 1100 Draw Bench (127.205)?
A: It is a professional floor-standing draw bench used in jewelry making to reduce wire size by pulling it through drawplates with controlled mechanical force.

Q: What is it used for?
A: It is used to draw metal wire down to smaller gauges, producing consistent wire for jewelry, chainmaking, and metal fabrication.

Q: How does it work?
A: The machine uses a hand crank system with gear assistance to pull wire through a drawplate, reducing diameter gradually and evenly.

Q: What materials can it handle?
A: It works with gold, silver, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals commonly used in jewelry production.

Q: What is its working length?
A: It has a 42" (1100mm class) frame with around 650mm usable drawing length, depending on setup.

Q: Does it have gear assistance?
A: Yes, it can operate in direct drive or reduction mode (approx. 4:1) for heavier or thicker wire pulling.

Q: What is the main benefit of this machine?
A: It provides efficient, controlled wire drawing with reduced physical effort, improving speed, consistency, and precision compared to manual pulling.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean draw path after every use – Remove metal dust, lubricant residue, and filings from rails, chain, and guides to prevent wire scratching and uneven drawing.
• Keep draw tongs in top condition – Inspect jaws regularly; clean serrations to maintain strong grip and prevent wire slippage under tension.
• Lubricate gearbox & drive system – Apply light machine grease to gears and chain drive to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear in both direct and reduction modes.
• Check dual-drive mechanism alignment – Ensure handle is properly seated in direct or 4:1 reduction mode for consistent pulling force.
• Secure bench mounting is critical – Bolt firmly to a stable floor or heavy stand to handle high pulling forces safely and accurately.
• Use drawing lubricant consistently – Reduces friction, improves surface finish, and extends die/tong life during repeated draws.
• Avoid overloading wire capacity – Max wire diameter ~10mm; always reduce in stages instead of forcing heavy pulls.
• Inspect drawplate & guide system – Keep guides clean and smooth to avoid uneven tension and maintain consistent wire diameter.
• Rust prevention – Lightly oil exposed steel parts when idle, especially in humid environments, but clean thoroughly before use.
• Routine safety checks – Verify smooth operation of return mechanism and ensure no chain slack or binding before use.