Durston 1191 DDB 1800 Draw Bench 72" - 127.210
Pulling wire through a draw plate is a demanding task, and nearly impossible when making long pulls on thick wire. The Durston DDB 1800 is the largest of the three Durston floor-standing draw benches, offering a generous 72" overall length and a 1350mm (53-1/8") working length to handle even the most demanding wire-drawing operations in a professional goldsmith's workshop.
The DDB 1800 features a two-speed drive system: operate from one side of the bench for a direct 1-to-1 crank for lighter diameter wire, or switch to the other side for a 4-to-1 reduction when tackling heavier wire pulls. This versatility makes it well-suited to a wide range of wire gauges, up to 10mm in diameter. Made in England by Durston, this bench is built to professional standards for long-term studio use.
Features
- Two-speed drive system: direct 1-to-1 crank or 4-to-1 reduction for heavy pulls
- 1350mm (53-1/8") working length
- Pulls wire up to 10mm in diameter
- Largest of the three Durston floor-standing draw bench models
- Made in England
- Ships by truck freight only
Specifications
| Model |
Durston DDB 1800 (1191) |
| Overall Length |
72" (1825mm) |
| Overall Width |
22" (577mm) |
| Overall Height |
38-1/8" (958mm) |
| Working Length |
1350mm (53-1/8") |
| Maximum Wire Diameter |
10mm |
| Drive Speeds |
2 – direct 1:1 and 4:1 reduction |
| Origin |
Made in England |
What our Experts Think
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Non-Marring Professional Finishing Tool
The Durston Medium Rawhide Mallet (85mm x 50mm) is designed to shape and form metal without leaving hammer marks—ideal for delicate jewellery work and final adjustments.
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Durable Buffalo Rawhide Head Construction
Made from tightly rolled, resin-bonded rawhide, offering a firm yet gentle striking surface that protects precious metals during forming and flattening.
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Balanced Medium Size for Versatility
85mm x 50mm head provides the perfect middle ground for control and impact—suitable for both light forming and moderate shaping tasks in the workshop.
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Solid Hardwood Handle for Control
Ergonomically shaped wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip and precise striking control during extended use.
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Essential Jewellery Workshop Tool
Commonly used by goldsmiths and silversmiths for forming sheet metal, adjusting bezels, and shaping components without surface damage.
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Long Service Life with Proper Care
Rawhide heads can be conditioned and maintained over time, allowing extended usability compared to softer synthetic mallets.
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Professional Durston Build Quality
Built to withstand regular workshop use while maintaining consistent performance, making it a reliable staple in any jewellery toolset.
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
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Purpose-built soft-forming tool – Designed for shaping sheet metal without leaving dents or surface marks, making it ideal for jewelry and fine metalwork.
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Head construction – Made from tightly rolled buffalo rawhide, glued and screwed onto a hardwood handle for durability and controlled impact.
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Non-marking performance – The rawhide face absorbs impact, protecting soft metals while still delivering enough force for forming and planishing.
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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.
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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.
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Usage best practice – Use controlled, light-to-medium strikes on annealed metal only; avoid steel-to-steel contact to extend mallet life.
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Longevity tip – Trim and recondition the rawhide head over time as it wears, rather than replacing the tool.
Damage 
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