Abstract: An individually variable multi-stage drawing apparatus has a succession of drawing stations in a multi-level configuration, each station other than the first being vertically offset from and at a level lower than that of a preceding station. Each station includes a circular die through which a workpiece is forced by a cylindrical plunger. Each plunger is operated by its own individual hydraulic ram. In this way, plunger movement commences at a pressure and continues at a rate governed by the metallic flow requirements of the workpiece at each successive drawing stage.The invention further comprises transfer devices for shifting the workpieces from one drawing stage to the next. These transfer devices grip, carry and release the workpieces without subjecting them to potentially damaging frictional contact.