6 Best Alternatives to the Hightall Wood Lathe Machine (2026)

How alternatives compare to Hightall

Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe

The Hightall 12x18 model keeps the same 3/4 HP motor and five-speed setup as the 12x20, but reduces the center distance from 20 inches to 18 inches. This shorter bed limits the length of spindles you can turn, making it less suitable for long projects. However, the compact footprint saves bench space. You should choose this alternative if your primary work involves smaller bowls or short turnings. It offers identical power and speed control but sacrifices reach. The cast iron bed remains sturdy, ensuring similar vibration dampening. It is a straightforward swap if you do not need the extra length of the original model.

VEVOR 12x18 3/4 HP Benchtop Wood Lathe

The VEVOR 12x18 benchtop lathe matches the 3/4 HP motor power but does not list specific speed settings in its data, unlike the Hightall’s five fixed options. It provides a similar 12-inch swing and 18-inch center distance. This model is lighter at 59.8 pounds, which may affect stability compared to the heavier Hightall. You might pick this if you need a ready-to-use machine for small to medium projects without managing multiple speed gears. It lacks the detailed thermal protection notes of the Hightall but offers a compact, functional design. Consider this if you prioritize a lower profile over the specific five-speed control of the original.

WEN 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe

The WEN 14x20 variable speed lathe increases the swing from 12 inches to 14 inches, allowing you to turn larger diameter bowls. It also maintains the 20-inch center distance. Unlike the Hightall’s five fixed speeds, this model offers variable speed control, giving you continuous adjustment for different wood types and cut depths. This flexibility is better for detailed work. The trade-off is a slightly larger footprint and a different motor setup. You should choose this alternative if you need extra width for bowls or precise speed tuning. It provides greater versatility for complex projects compared to the fixed-speed reliability of the Hightall.

MECHINHUB 12" x 18" Benchtop Lathe

The MECHINHUB 12x18 lathe offers variable speed control instead of the five fixed settings found on the Hightall. It retains the 3/4 HP motor and 12-inch swing, keeping the same turning capacity for width. The variable speed allows for precise adjustments, which is ideal for detailed woodturning tasks. This model includes a digital display for accurate RPM reading, a feature absent in the Hightall’s manual gear system. You should pick this if you value precise speed control over the simplicity of fixed gears. It is a better choice for intricate work where RPM changes frequently, offering more adaptability than the original five-speed model.

WEN 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

The WEN 12x18 5-speed lathe matches the Hightall’s fixed speed approach but reduces the center distance to 18 inches. It shares the 12-inch swing capacity, making it suitable for similar bowl sizes. This model is lighter at 70.3 pounds and has a 5-amp motor rating. It is designed for beginners needing a compact, stable machine. You should choose this if you want a proven, straightforward lathe without the need for variable speed. It offers similar fixed-speed reliability but with a shorter bed. This alternative is practical for small projects and fits users who value accessory compatibility and simple operation over the extended reach of the 20-inch model.

CXRCY 12" x 18" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe

The CXRCY 12x18 lathe provides variable speed control, replacing the Hightall’s five fixed speeds. It keeps the 3/4 HP motor and 12-inch swing, maintaining similar turning capacity. The variable speed allows for fine-tuned adjustments, which is beneficial for detailed woodturning. This model is heavier at 88 pounds, potentially offering more stability than the lighter Hightall. You should pick this if you need precise RPM control for intricate cuts. It sacrifices the simplicity of fixed gears for greater flexibility. This alternative is ideal for woodworkers who prioritize speed precision over the straightforward, gear-based operation of the original five-speed lathe.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Hightall 12" x 20" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe

Best for: small bowl turning and fixed speed needs

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 MC1220 is a 12 x 20 inch benchtop wood lathe with a 3/4 HP motor. It offers five fixed speeds from 680 to 2770 RPM. The cast iron bed reduces vibration. Upgraded stainless steel components improve durability. This machine suits woodworkers needing a sturdy, reliable tool for turning projects up to 12 inches in diameter.

Pros

• 3/4 HP 550W motor for consistent power
• Cast iron bed minimizes vibration
• Stainless steel live centers and faceplate
• Thickened tool rest for stability

Cons

• Fixed 5-speed settings limit precision
• 12-inch swing restricts larger projects
• Manual speed changes require belt adjustment

Good fit if

• You need a stable lathe for small to medium bowls
• You prefer fixed speeds for reliability
• You want stainless steel contact points

Skip if

• You require variable speed control
• You turn spindles over 12 inches wide
• You need digital speed readouts

Verdict: Hightall 12x20 Benchtop Wood Lathe fits beginners who value stability over variable speed. It handles small turning tasks well but lacks the flexibility for larger workpieces.

2 Also great

Hightall 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe

Best for: Standard wood turning with fixed speeds

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

The Hightall 12x18 benchtop lathe offers a 3/4 HP motor and five fixed speeds from 680 to 2770 RPM. Its 12-inch swing and 18-inch center distance handle standard turning projects. The cast iron bed provides stability. This machine suits beginners or hobbyists who need reliable, manual speed control for wood turning without complex digital interfaces.

Pros

• 3/4 HP 550W motor with aluminum heat dissipation
• Five fixed speeds for precise control
• Cast iron bed for reduced vibration
• MT2 spindle taper for accessory compatibility

Cons

• Fixed five-speed settings limit variable control
• 18-inch capacity is smaller than some competitors
• Manual speed changes require belt adjustment

Good fit if

• You need a sturdy benchtop lathe for general wood projects
• You prefer reliable fixed speeds over variable control
• You want a machine with a cast iron bed

Skip if

• You require variable speed for fine detail work
• You need more than 18 inches between centers
• You want digital speed display features

Verdict: Hightall 12x18 Benchtop Wood Lathe fits woodworkers who value stability and fixed speed reliability for standard turning tasks. It is a solid choice for those who do not need variable speed control.

3 Best budget

VEVOR 12x18 3/4 HP Benchtop Wood Lathe

Best for: Hobbyists turning small to medium wood projects

Swing Over Bed

12"

Between Centers

18"

Motor Power

3/4 HP (560W)

Speed Range

780–3840 RPM

Speed Control

5-speed

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: VEVOR 12x18 3/4 HP Benchtop Wood Lathe Affiliate link

This VEVOR benchtop lathe offers a 12-inch swing and 18-inch between-centers capacity. It uses a 3/4 HP motor with five fixed speeds ranging from 780 to 3840 RPM. The metal frame helps reduce vibration during use. It includes essential tools for immediate operation. This setup suits hobbyists turning table legs or canes who need reliable performance without variable speed controls.

Pros

• 12 x 18 inch turning capacity
• 3/4 HP motor for soft and hard woods
• Five speed settings from 780 to 3840 RPM
• Thermal protection prevents overheating
• Metal frame reduces vibration

Cons

• Fixed five-speed settings instead of variable speed
• Heavier build at 59.8 pounds
• Smaller swing capacity than 14-inch models

Good fit if

• You need a compact benchtop lathe for small projects
• You prefer fixed speeds for consistent turning
• You want a complete kit ready to use

Skip if

• You require variable speed control for fine finishing
• You need to turn workpieces larger than 12 inches
• You prefer a lighter machine for easy moving

Verdict: VEVOR 12x18 Benchtop Wood Lathe fits hobbyists who need a sturdy, ready-to-use machine for small to medium projects. It lacks variable speed, but its fixed settings and thermal protection provide reliable performance for turning table legs and canes.

4 Best premium

WEN 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe

Best for: Turning bowls and longer spindles

Swing Over Bed

14"

Between Centers

20"

Speed Range

250 - 3550 RPM

Speed Control

Variable speed

Spindle Taper

MT2

Swing

20-Inch

View on Amazon: WEN 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe Affiliate link

This benchtop lathe handles workpieces up to 20 inches long and 14 inches wide. Its variable speed motor adjusts from 250 to 3550 RPM for precise control. You get an MT2 tailstock, a 1-inch by 8 spindle thread, and an 8-inch tool rest. It includes a 4-inch faceplate for bowls and cups. This machine suits users needing more capacity than standard 12-inch models.

Pros

• Variable speed range from 250 to 3550 RPM
• 14-inch swing over bed for wider workpieces
• 20-inch distance between centers for longer projects
• MT2 tapers for accessory compatibility

Cons

• No digital speed display shown in data
• Fixed speed control rather than electronic precision
• Heavier and bulkier than 12-inch benchtop models

Good fit if

• You need to turn bowls larger than 12 inches
• You require variable speed for detailed turning
• You want MT2 accessory compatibility

Skip if

• You need a digital speed readout
• You have limited benchtop space
• You only turn small spindles under 12 inches

Verdict: WEN 34035 14x20 Variable Speed Lathe fits makers who need extra width for bowls or longer lengths for spindles. It offers a broad speed range for detailed work without the footprint of a floor model.

5 Best 110v

MECHINHUB 12" x 18" Benchtop Lathe

Best for: Detailed woodturning requiring precise speed control

Swing Over Bed

12"

Between Centers

18"

Motor Power

3/4 HP

Speed Range

650–3800 RPM

Speed Control

Variable speed

Voltage

110V

View on Amazon: MECHINHUB 12" x 18" Benchtop Lathe Affiliate link

The MECHINHUB benchtop lathe offers 12-inch swing and 18-inch between centers capacity. It features a 3/4 HP motor with infinitely variable speed from 650 to 3800 RPM. A digital display shows real-time RPM for precise control. This 110V machine suits woodworkers needing flexible speed settings for various turning projects.

Pros

• Infinitely variable speed from 650 to 3800 RPM
• Digital display shows current RPM
• 3/4 HP pure-copper motor
• 12-inch swing over bed
• 18-inch distance between centers

Cons

• Only two size options available
• No remote control included
• Heavier build than smaller models

Good fit if

• You need precise speed control for detailed turning
• You work with wood pieces up to 18 inches long
• You prefer digital feedback for RPM monitoring

Skip if

• You require more than two size configurations
• You need a variable speed lathe under 12-inch swing
• You prefer fixed speed settings over variable control

Verdict: MECHINHUB 12x18 Variable Speed Lathe fits woodworkers who need precise speed adjustments for detailed projects. Its digital display and variable speed range make it ideal for those who value control over their turning process.

6 Best 12-inch

WEN 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

Best for: Beginners needing a compact 12-inch lathe

Swing Over Bed

12"

Between Centers

18"

Speed Range

520 - 3400 RPM

Speed Control

5-speed

Spindle Taper

MT2

Swing

12-Inch

View on Amazon: WEN 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe Affiliate link

The WEN LA3424 is a 12-inch by 18-inch benchtop wood lathe with a 4.5-amp motor. It offers five fixed speeds ranging from 520 to 3400 RPM. The unit includes an MT2 tailstock and headstock for accessory compatibility. This model suits beginners or hobbyists who need a compact machine for small to medium projects. Its 70.3-pound weight provides stability on a workbench.

Pros

• Five fixed speeds from 520 to 3400 RPM
• 12-inch swing over bed for bowl turning
• MT2 tapers for wide accessory compatibility
• Includes 3-1/8 inch faceplate for non-spindle work

Cons

• Only five fixed speed settings
• No digital speed display
• Lower amperage than 550W competitors

Good fit if

• You need a compact lathe for small projects
• You prefer fixed speeds over variable control
• You want MT2 accessory compatibility

Skip if

• You require variable speed control
• You need to turn pieces larger than 12 inches
• You want a digital speed display

Verdict: The WEN LA3424 12x18 5-Speed Benchtop Lathe is a practical option for beginners who need a stable, compact machine for small projects. It fits users who value fixed speeds and accessory compatibility over variable control.

7 Also great

CXRCY 12" x 18" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe

Best for: Detailed woodturning requiring precise speed control

Swing Over Bed

12"

Between Centers

18"

Motor Power

3/4 HP

Speed Range

650–3800 RPM

Speed Control

Variable speed

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: CXRCY 12" x 18" 3/4 HP Wood Lathe Affiliate link

The CXRCY benchtop lathe offers 12 inches of swing and 18 inches between centers. It features a 3/4 HP motor with infinitely variable speed control from 650 to 3800 RPM. A digital display shows your current speed, and you can adjust the drive belt easily through a cover. This machine suits woodworkers who need precise speed adjustments for detailed turning projects.

Pros

• Infinitely variable speed from 650 to 3800 RPM
• Digital display for clear RPM readout
• Easy belt adjustment via top cover
• 12-inch swing over bed capacity

Cons

• Heavier build at 88 pounds
• No remote control included
• Limited to benchtop configuration only

Good fit if

• You need precise speed control for fine details
• You want easy access to belt adjustments
• You prefer a digital speed readout

Skip if

• You require a larger 14-inch swing capacity
• You need a variable speed motor over 3/4 HP
• You prefer a lighter machine under 50 pounds

Verdict: CXRCY 12x18 Variable Speed Wood Lathe fits woodworkers who value precise speed control and easy maintenance. It is ideal for detailed turning tasks where variable RPM matters more than raw power.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions