Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 vs Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the hightall 12 x 20 3 4 vs 12x18 5 speed benchtop lathe to decide which model fits your workshop. Both machines share identical 3/4 HP motors, 5-speed ranges, and cast iron beds for stability. They also include MT2 tapers and M33x3.5 threads for accessory compatibility. The main difference lies in their working capacity. One offers a longer bed for extended projects, while the other provides a more compact footprint for smaller spaces.
Key differences
| Aspect | Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe | Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe |
|---|---|---|
| Between Centers | 20" | 18" |
| Model Number | MC1220 | MC1218 |
| Tool Rest | Thickened Tool Rest | not listed |
| Live Centers | Stainless Steel | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe if
- You need extra length for turning longer spindles or bowls.
- You want a thickened tool rest for improved stability.
- You prefer stainless steel live centers for better corrosion resistance.
Choose Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe if
- You have limited bench space and need a more compact machine.
- You primarily work on smaller projects that fit within 18 inches.
- You want the same motor power and speed settings in a smaller footprint.
Verdict: Choose the 20-inch model if you need to turn longer pieces or want the added stability of the thickened tool rest. The 18-inch version is better if you prioritize a smaller footprint without sacrificing motor power or speed options. Both lathes offer identical performance for standard turning tasks.
Hightall 12x20 vs 12x18 Lathe Specs
Swing Capacity
Both machines offer a 12-inch swing over the bed. This measurement defines the maximum diameter of wood you can turn. You get identical rotational clearance for bowl turning or spindle work on both the Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe and the Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe. The swing dimension remains constant, allowing you to work with stock of the same width on either unit. There is no difference in how wide a piece of wood you can mount between the centers.
Center Distance
The Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe provides a 20-inch distance between centers. The Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe offers 18 inches. This difference affects the longest spindle you can turn. If you need to turn longer items like table legs or balusters, the 20-inch model gives you two extra inches of clearance. The 18-inch model is slightly more compact, but the 20-inch version accommodates longer workpieces without needing additional support stands for extended projects.
Motor Power
Both lathes are equipped with a 3/4 HP motor, rated at 550 watts. This power level is consistent across both models, ensuring similar torque and cutting capability. The AC motor in each unit features an aluminum alloy heat dissipation housing to manage temperature during prolonged use. You will experience the same performance when tackling demanding wood turning tasks. The power output does not vary, so neither machine has an advantage in raw rotational force or ability to handle dense hardwoods.
Speed Settings
Each lathe includes five fixed speed settings. The range spans from 680 to 2770 RPM on both the Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe and the Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe. You can select speeds of 680, 1000, 1420, 2000, or 2770 RPM. This manual gear system is identical, providing clear fixed gears for easy adjustment. The speed control mechanism is the same, allowing you to match the rotation rate to your specific wood turning project without any variation in operational flexibility.
Bed Construction
Both models utilize a cast iron bed for stability. This heavy construction minimizes vibration during operation, which is critical for smooth and precise wood turning. The rigidity of the bed extends the overall lifespan of the lathe and ensures accuracy even at higher speeds. You get the same solid foundation on both the 12" x 20" model and the 12x18 model. The material choice and structural design are identical, providing equal damping characteristics and resistance to chatter during use.
Spindle Taper
Both lathes feature an MT2 spindle taper. This standard taper ensures compatibility with a wide variety of accessories, including live centers and drive centers. The M33x3.5 spindle thread is also present on both units, allowing for secure attachment of faceplates and other tooling. You can use the same accessories on either machine without modification. The spindle interface specifications are identical, ensuring that your existing tooling will fit both the Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe and the Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe.
Included Components
The Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe includes upgraded stainless steel live centers for both headstock and tailstock, a stainless steel faceplate, and a thickened tool rest. These components offer superior durability and corrosion resistance. The Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe data does not specify these upgraded stainless steel parts. While it includes MT2 drive and live centers, the specific material and thickness details for the tool rest and faceplate are not listed. You may receive different accessory quality with the 12x18 model.
Choose Your Lathe Size
Woodworkers needing longer spindle capacity
The 12 x 20 inch model provides two extra inches of center distance compared to the 12 x 18 inch version. This additional length allows you to turn longer spindles or bowls without frequent repositioning. The 20-inch reach is ideal for projects requiring extended workpieces, while maintaining the same 12-inch swing and motor power as the smaller unit.
Users prioritizing compact benchtop footprint
The 12 x 18 inch model offers a slightly shorter bed, which may better suit workshops with limited table space. It retains the identical 3/4 HP motor, 5-speed settings, and cast iron bed stability. You get the same MT2 tapers and tool rest quality in a more compact configuration, making it a practical choice for tighter workspaces.
Bowl turners focused on diameter
Both lathes share the same 12-inch swing over the bed, allowing you to turn bowls of identical maximum diameter. The 12 x 18 inch model is sufficient for most bowl projects where length is not the primary constraint. You gain no performance advantage in diameter capacity from the longer model, so the smaller footprint may be more efficient for your bench.
The products compared
Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe
Best for: Turning longer spindles up to 20 inches
- Swing Over Bed
- 12"
- Between Centers
- 20"
- Motor Power
- 3/4 HP (550W)
- Speed Range
- 680-2770 RPM
- Speed Control
- 5 Speed Settings
- Spindle Taper
- MT2
View on Amazon: Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe Affiliate link
The Hightall 12x20 benchtop lathe offers a 12-inch swing and 20-inch between-centers capacity. It features a 3/4 HP motor with five fixed speeds ranging from 680 to 2770 RPM. The cast iron bed and stainless steel components provide stability for woodturning. This model suits users needing extra length for longer projects compared to smaller 18-inch alternatives.
Pros
- 20-inch between-centers capacity for longer workpieces
- 3/4 HP motor with five fixed speed settings
- Cast iron bed for reduced vibration
- Stainless steel live centers and faceplate
Cons
- Fixed gear speeds limit fine-tuning compared to variable control
- Requires M8 bolts for table mounting
- 550W motor is less powerful than 1HP options
Good fit if
- You need to turn spindles longer than 18 inches
- You prefer fixed speeds for reliable operation
- You want a sturdy cast iron base
Skip if
- You require variable speed control for delicate work
- You have limited bench space for a 20-inch machine
- You need more than 12-inch swing diameter
Verdict: Hightall 12x20 Benchtop Wood Lathe fits woodworkers who need extra length for longer spindles and value the stability of a cast iron bed over variable speed flexibility.
Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe
Best for: Standard wood turning projects under 18 inches
- Swing Over Bed
- 12"
- Between Centers
- 18"
- Motor Power
- 3/4 HP (550W)
- Speed Range
- 680-2770 RPM
- Speed Control
- 5 Speed Settings
- Spindle Taper
- MT2
View on Amazon: Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe Affiliate link
This Hightall benchtop lathe offers 12-inch swing and 18-inch between-centers capacity. It features a 3/4 HP motor with five fixed speeds from 680 to 2770 RPM. The cast iron bed provides stability for wood turning. You get MT2 drive and live centers for versatility. This model suits hobbyists needing reliable performance for standard-sized projects without variable speed complexity.
Pros
- 3/4 HP 550W motor with aluminum heat dissipation
- Cast iron bed for reduced vibration
- Five fixed speeds from 680 to 2770 RPM
- MT2 spindle taper for accessory compatibility
Cons
- Fixed gear speeds limit fine control
- 18-inch between-centers is shorter than 20-inch models
- Mounting bolts not included
Good fit if
- You need a stable lathe for projects under 18 inches long
- You prefer simple, reliable fixed-speed settings
- You want a cast iron bed for smooth turning
Skip if
- You require variable speed control for delicate work
- You regularly turn spindles longer than 18 inches
- You need mounting hardware included in the box
Verdict: Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe fits woodworkers who prioritize stability and simplicity over variable speed flexibility. It is ideal for standard turning tasks within its 18-inch capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe | Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Over Bed | 12" | 12" |
| Between Centers | 20" | 18" |
| Motor Power | 3/4 HP (550W) | 3/4 HP (550W) |
| Speed Range | 680-2770 RPM | 680-2770 RPM |
| Speed Control | 5 Speed Settings | 5 Speed Settings |
| Spindle Taper | MT2 | MT2 |
| Swing | 20-Inch | not stated |
| Configuration | Benchtop | Benchtop |
| Speed Settings | 5-Speed | 5-Speed |
| Target Material | Wood | Wood |
| Size | 12x20" | 12x18" |
| Model | MC1220 | MC1218 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Hightall 12x20 have more speed options than the 12x18?
No, both lathes offer five distinct speed settings. You get identical rotational control on both the 12 x 20 inch model and the 12 x 18 inch version. This fixed range suits standard wood turning tasks. You do not gain variable speed flexibility with the larger size. The choice depends on your length needs, not speed variety.
Is the motor power different between the two Hightall lathes?
Both models feature a 3/4 HP motor. You receive the same rotational force regardless of whether you choose the 12 x 20 inch or 12 x 18 inch version. This power level handles typical hardwoods and softwoods effectively. The motor specification remains consistent across both benchtop configurations for reliable performance.
Can I turn bowls on both the Hightall 12x20 and 12x18?
Yes, both lathes provide a 12-inch swing capacity. This measurement allows you to turn wood up to 12 inches in diameter over the bed. You get identical rotational clearance for bowl work on both machines. The difference lies only in the maximum length of the spindle you can mount between centers.
Which Hightall lathe is better for long spindles?
The 12 x 20 inch model is better for long spindles. It offers a 20-inch center distance, giving you two extra inches of length compared to the 12 x 18 inch version. This allows you to turn longer pieces without frequent repositioning. Choose this size if your projects exceed 18 inches in length.
Do both lathes use the same tool rest and tailstock?
Both machines share identical core specifications, including MT2 tapers and M33x3.5 threads. You can expect consistent accessory compatibility across both models. The cast iron beds provide similar stability for tool rests and tailstocks. Minor differences exist only in the overall bed length to accommodate the different center distances.
Is the Hightall 12x18 too small for serious woodworkers?
The 12 x 18 inch size is ideal for standard turning tasks. It fits woodworkers who prioritize stability and simplicity over variable speed flexibility. If your projects stay under 18 inches, this model is sufficient. It offers the same 3/4 HP motor and 12-inch swing as the larger version for typical workshop needs.