Give up on Porter Cable 55160 Omnijig?

[Steve Mathews]

I acquired a Porter Cable 55160 Omnijig joinery setup. It seems to be well made but it didn't come with any of the template guides, which are impossible to find. It's complete otherwise. Anyone know of a source for these templates? Should I just give up on this thing?

[Martin Wasner]

Is it the old 24" or the newer one? I've got spare 7/8" templates for the older one. I wore one out on mine and had three new ones made, then I bought a automatic dovetailer, so the spares are going to last me an eternity.

[peter gagliardi]

I think that model number translates to the smaller 16" model. You do have my attention on the spare 24" templates!
Mine is showing its age, and I haven't yet made the leap to an auto machine.
How do you like your's? What do you have?

[Steve Mathews]

Is it the old 24" or the newer one? I've got spare 7/8" templates for the older one. I wore one out on mine and had three new ones made, then I bought a automatic dovetailer, so the spares are going to last me an eternity.
The 55160 is the 16" version but I don't know if it's old or new. All of the pics I've seen of the 55160 all look the same.

[Van Huskey]

The 55160 is the 16" version but I don't know if it's old or new. All of the pics I've seen of the 55160 all look the same.

It is the older version, the updated version (maybe 4-5 years ago) is only available in 24".

[John C Bush]

I have the older 16" version that came with half blind DT templates but haven't been able to find thru or finger joint template. Let me know if you find a source.

[J. Greg Jones]

It is the older version, the updated version (maybe 4-5 years ago) is only available in 24".
The 55160 16" model as well as the 77240 24" model are both the 'new' model jig-they even share the same owners manual. They were introduced late 2007/early 2008 and were pretty much an instant flop. I have the 16" 55160 stored away somewhere in my shop-haven't used it in years.

The 16" 5116 and 24" 7116 are the original, 'old' model OmniJigs.

[Mike Heidrick]

I sell a 24" template I make. I was making the 16" until a case on ebay was opened on me saying it did not work. Its a perfect reproduction though. Its just the top template and does not include the l brackets you need. You have those by chance?

[John C Bush]

Hi Mike,
Are the 16" templates you make for the 5116 older model?? Thanks John.

[Jon Paulzine]

If you still make or have any of the 16" templates I'd be interested. I have the brackets.

[Bill Dufour]

I would guess the longer template could be cut down to fit the shorter machine. It may not even need to be cut. Just drill some new mounting holes.
My Powermatic 18" planer grinding guide bar is drilled to mount on several different width machines.
BilL D.

[Bill Dufour]

You could probably make a new template out of plastic or aluminum using a router and a flush cut bit.
Bill D.

[Richard Coers]

You're asking on a 7 year old post?

[Jon Paulzine]

Yep, sure am.

[Jon Paulzine]

Thanks Bill! I may try finding the longer versions of some of the templets and do just that.

[Bill Dufour]

I messed up years ago on a cheap plastic template dt jig. Lifted the router before the blade stopped spinning. Nicked one guide finger. I patched it with JB weld and filed it down smooth. Still works decades latter.
BilLD

[Bill Dufour]

I would be shocked if there is not some cheap rip off version of this jig for sale on aliexpress, temu etc. Where the template is close enough to work.
Bill D

[jack duren]

Read and reread instructions. I had a guy sell me a Leigh 24” dovetail jig because he just couldn’t get it. I tried to talk him into giving it another try , but he was done..