When you're outfitting a workshop with used industrial sewing machines, the deciding factor is not brand loyalty - it's condition. You can pay USD 400.00 for an AS-IS Juki MS-1190, or you can pay USD 180.00 for a working vintage Singer 31-15 with a table. Both are single-head industrial machines, but one will have you sewing at the end of the day and the other is a repair project. Here's how to choose between the two.
Quick verdict: If you need to sew now, the Singer 31-15 is the obvious pick. It's listed as a used, working machine and includes the table, motor, and a few extras. The Juki MS-1190 is only for someone who specifically wants an MS-1190 head for salvage or who is ready to take on an unknown repair job.
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Stitch | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juki MS-1190 (AS-IS) | USD 400.00<br> | For parts or not working | Double chainstitch | Japan |
| Singer 31-15 (with Table) | USD 180.00<br> | Used | Straight lockstitch | United States |
Where the Juki MS-1190 wins: It offers a double chainstitch feed-off-the-arm design, a specialized setup for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and similar tubular work. It also brings a Japanese-made Juki head and a mechanical control. If you need MS-1190-specific parts, the machine can be used to salvage hard-to-source components. The limitation is that it is not in working condition, is head only, and no table or motor is included.
Where the Singer 31-15 wins: It works. The machine was in use until the business lost its lease a few months ago, and it arrives with a GE 1/4 HP motor, a table, and a few extras such as needles. It's a straight lockstitch single-needle machine with a maximum speed of 2,200 stitches per minute, a max stitch length of 5.5 stitches per inch, and a presser foot clearance of 5/16 inch. For a shop that needs to start sewing immediately, this is the practical option.
AS-IS Juki MS-1190 Double Chainstitch Feed-Off-The-Arm Industrial Sewing Machine
Choose this one if you are a repair-focused technician who wants a Juki MS-1190 head to strip for parts or restore. The unit arrives head only, so the table and motor are not included. It was damaged during shipment, and the repair needs are unknown. What you get is a Japanese-made Juki with the double chainstitch feed-off-the-arm configuration and mechanical control. That configuration makes it valuable for specific garment operations that a flatbed machine cannot handle, but the value is unrealized until you invest time and money in repairs. For most buyers, the uncertainty of an unknown repair and the added cost of a table and motor make it a risky purchase.
Working Vintage Singer Industrial 31-15 Sewing Machine with Table
Buy this one if you want an industrial machine that is ready to run without extra setup costs. It includes the table, a GE 1/4 HP single-phase motor, and a few extras like needles. The machine was being used until the business lost its lease, so it has a recent practical history. It's a single-needle workhorse that can hit 2,200 stitches per minute, with a 5.5-stitches-per-inch max stitch length and a presser foot clearance of 5/16 inch. The trade-off is that it's a vintage Singer without the specialized chainstitch or feed-off-the-arm capability of the Juki. If you need a straightforward industrial machine for everyday tailoring, this is the safer choice.
Final choice by use case: For a shop that sews sleeves, cuffs, or other tubular pieces and is prepared to repair a damaged machine, the Juki MS-1190 is the only one that offers that capability - but you need to factor in restoration costs. For a shop that needs a dependable, ready-to-run lockstitch machine for general sewing, the Singer 31-15 with table is the clear winner, and its lower price leaves more room in your budget for other equipment.
