Two industrial sewing machine heads in textile apparel machinery come down to one question: do you want a machine that can run soon, or one you're willing to troubleshoot? The vintage Singer 151w3 and the AS-IS Juki MS-1190 sit on opposite sides of that decision.
Quick verdict
If you want a head that can be used sooner, the Singer 151w3 is the practical choice. If you're ready to take on a project or salvage the specialized Juki head, the AS-IS Juki MS-1190 is the one for you.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Singer 151w3 | AS-IS Juki MS-1190 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 265.00 | USD 400.00 |
| Condition | Used, complete, good condition | For parts or not working, damaged in shipment |
| Control | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Head | Single | Single |
| Stitch type | Lockstitch | Chainstitch |
| Needle | 135x1 | Not specified |
| Intended application | Material, denim, light leather, vinyl | Double chainstitch feed-off-the-arm |
| Included | Head only | Head only (table and motor extra) |
Before comparing stitch types, think about the kind of sewing you do most often. Condition is the main dividing line here.
Where each product wins
- Singer 151w3 wins for immediate shop use.
- AS-IS Juki MS-1190 wins for buyers with troubleshooting skills.
These two heads solve different problems, so there's no single winner for every shop.
Product notes
Vintage Industrial Sewing Machine Singer 151w3 one needle walking foot-Leather
This Singer 151w3 is a used, single-needle lockstitch machine with a small walking foot and 135x1 needles. It is complete and in good condition, comes from surplus stock, and may need additional cleaning. It suits material, denim, light leather, and vinyl, making it a flexible shop head for medium-weight work. At USD 265.00, it is the lower-priced option in this pairing. Why choose it: you get a head that appears ready for work without a stated repair project. What to keep in mind: it is sold as head only, so you'll need your own table and motor. For a shop looking to add a lockstitch head without taking on a restoration, this Singer is the more direct route.
AS-IS Juki MS-1190 Double Chainstitch Feed-Off-The-Arm Industrial Sewing Machine
This Juki MS-1190 is a mechanical, single-head industrial machine made in Japan, configured for double chainstitch feed-off-the-arm work. It is listed AS-IS, for parts or not working, and was damaged during shipment; the seller isn't sure what needs to be fixed. At USD 400.00, it costs more than the Singer even though it is not in working condition. The reason to consider it: the feed-off-the-arm chainstitch style is hard to find, and this head can be a donor for hard-to-source Juki MS-1190 parts if you can't fix it yourself. The limitation is clear: it is currently not operational, so it's only a good choice for someone with repair skills or a parts need. If your goal is a running machine, the Juki is the wrong starting point; if your goal is a specialized fix or a parts bank, it deserves a closer look.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Singer 151w3 when you want a head that can get to work. Choose the AS-IS Juki MS-1190 when you are comfortable with repairs or need Juki parts. The right buy hinges on how much machine repair you can take on.
