Porter Cable 55160 16-Inch Omnijig Joinery System

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com

The single-lever clamping mechanism lets you hold the board in position with one hand while clamping it with the other.

Machined, textured top and front surfaces work with the clamping mechanism to hold boards in position during operation.

A New Addition to the Omnijig Product Family
Porter-Cable does it again -- expanding its industry-leading lineup of top-selling Omnijigs with this dovetail jig joinery system. Almost any project that requires the joining of two boards is a candidate for the sturdy, visually appealing dovetail joint; and the Omnijig is just the powerful machine to create it. The consistent and quick dovetail is a great alternative to the more labor-intensive manual methods of joining; and now it's easier than ever.

Is the Omnijig Dovetail Jig Joinery System Right for You?
This 16-inch capacity model has a fixed-finger template that will let you quickly cut half-blind joints with a single pass of your router, and it also makes sliding-tapered dovetails. Great for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, the 55160 is designed to be easy-to-use and exceptionally versatile. Construct drawers, cabinets, and custom furniture -- or use this tool in a craftier capacity for chests, jewelry boxes, benches, and book shelves.

Key Features and Product Highlights at a Glance
Ready to work right out of the box, the 55160 comes pre-assembled and set by the factory for minimal user hassle. And don't let the high-end functionality fool you -- this machine boasts color-coded, on-board instructions that provide tips, suggestions, and clear guidance that's easy to follow.

Pre-set router bit depth gauges eliminate the need to take measurements.

'Set & Forget' template stops and bit depth gauges allow fast and repeatable set-up.

Fixed-finger template cuts half-blind joints and sliding-tapered dovetails.

Color-coded, on-board instructions provide clear user guidance as well as usage tips.

• Template Positioning Stops
  The convenient 'Set and Forget' template positioning stops ensure that the various templates are located correctly on the jig, minimizing user error and saving time for future projects. These stops come pre-set by the manufacturer, but they can be easily adjusted to meet your specific needs. With just a few simple adjustments, you can set the stops to match any project on your workbench.

• Router Bit Depth Gauges
  The Omnijig's preset router bit depth gauges eliminate the need to take measurements before getting started on your project. These preset depth gauges place the bit to the correct depth quickly and accurately, for a wide variety of applications and board thicknesses. Just like the stops, these depth gauges can be easily adjusted to meet your particular needs -- and they'll provide the same consistent joint fit time and time again.

• Stabilizer Bar
  The integrated stabilizer bar helps protect the template and router bit from damage by keeping the router from tipping while in operation; and it deflects chips downward for a cleaner work environment. This feature doesn't just secure the machine, it keeps your work area tidy for better visibility while you're on the job.

• Textured Surfaces
  The Omnijig's machined, textured top and front surfaces work together with the clamping mechanism to make sure that the boards are held firmly in position during operation. They grip without marring, and offer true stability while you work -- so you'll never need to worry about losing control of a project, no matter how vigorous the task.

• Single Clamp Lever
  With some joiner systems, you feel like you need a third hand to work all the knobs and levers at once -- but not with the Omnijig. The Omnijig's single-lever clamping mechanism lets you hold the board in position with one hand while clamping it with the other, so there's no need to juggle boards and tools.

The Omnijig is designed for use by professionals and hobbyists alike.

What's in the Box
The 55160 includes jig base, 16-inch single-pass half-blind/sliding-tapered dovetail template, instructional DVD featuring Norm Abram, left and right template stops - C2, dovetail bit - D4; four template guides - G2, G3, G4 and G5; lock nut, stabilizer bar, router bit depth pod, square screwdriver, wrench, and two o-rings.

Porter-Cable's Commitment to Excellence
Manufacturing a full line of power tools, equipment and accessories, Porter-Cable makes a product for every situation. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a casual weekender, you can always find a Porter-Cable tool that's right for the job. From new home construction to building maintenance, and from farms to upscale woodworking -- Porter-Cable provides true power and rugged performance for any occasion.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 55160 16-inch Omnijig Joinery System and its fixed-space template enables half-blind dovetails to be cut with a single pass of the router. The template may also be used for rabbeted half-blind and sliding-tapered dovetails. Pre-assembled and factory set to minimize user set-up time, this joinery system features a durable base design for clamping or bolting directly onto the work bench. Clear and concise on-board instructions guide the user through the various applications while significantly reducing the need to refer to an instruction manual. Other features include "set and forget" template alignment stops and a router bit depth gauge to minimize test cuts and to offer repeatability across changing applications. A stabilizer bar is included to enhance router control while deflecting chips downward for a cleaner work environment. A single-hand clamping system allows for easy positioning of wood on the jig and machined, textured surfaces provide excellent grip on wood. Made of durable steel and alloy construction for longevity, this versatile system also allows for variable-spaced half-blind and through dovetails, miniature dovetails, and box joints with additional accessories (sold separately). A component storage case and a dust shroud also available as accessories (sold separately). With a 1/8-to-1-1/2-inch capacity in wood, this system measures 13.125 x 19 x 36.125 inches and weighs 45.1 pounds. The 55160 comes with a jig base, 16-inch single-pass half-blind/sliding-tapered dovetail template, instructional DVD featuring Norm Abram, left and right template Stops, a lock nut, a stabilizer bar, a router bit depth pod, a square screwdriver, a wrench, and two O-rings.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 36.5 x 20 x 14.5 inches ; 56.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 58 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000HGL59W
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 55160
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,354 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Awesome!, April 29, 2008

By 

Tesscar "Tesscar" (San Diego, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter Cable 55160 16-Inch Omnijig Joinery System (Tools & Home Improvement)

Got this yesterday through Amazon and this thing is awesome! Note, although it only does half-blind dovetails(and sliding dovetails) it does them flawlessly with little effort. I also have the Porter Cable 4212 dovetail jig which is pretty good, but this is built much better, is easier to use, and provides bullet-proof, perfect half-blind dovetails every time. With the PC 4212, it was more hit-and miss. I am using this with a Makita D-handle router that I also just got from Amazon and the combination is heaven-sent.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and easy to ues, September 5, 2008

By 

Scott O'brien "Scott" (Boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter Cable 55160 16-Inch Omnijig Joinery System (Tools & Home Improvement)

This jig is so user friendly and quick to set up! I used to have a router dedicated to each router dovetail jig. Once it was set I was too afraid to change it. With the Porter Cable quick set adjustment pod I don't have to worry about changing depths anymore.
The only thing missing is adjustable fingers which can be purchased seperately...$$$