Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Can a CNC machine create artwork detailed enough to replace a laser cutter?
In this project, Liberty puts IDC Woodcraft's 1/16" Down Cut End Mill to the test by creating an intricate three-layer wooden shadow box filled with tiny trees, grass, mountains, and detailed foreground elements. Along the way, she demonstrates how to design layered artwork using Vectric Sheets, create profile toolpaths, and safely machine extremely thin material using the CA glue method and a sub-spoilboard.
You'll also learn when a down-cut bit is the right choice, why tool diameter matters for detail, and how careful planning allows multiple carved layers to align perfectly into a finished piece.
If you've ever wondered whether your CNC can create projects normally reserved for a laser cutter, this video will give you practical techniques, workflow tips, and inspiration for pushing your machine's precision further than you thought possible.
Whether you're new to CNC woodworking or looking to expand your design capabilities, this project demonstrates just how much detail a properly selected bit can achieve.
1/16" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-116
Edgehugger Clamps → idcwoodcraft.com/search?q=edgehugger
1/8" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-18
1/4" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-14
__________________________________
ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
- 12pc Complete CNC Router Bit Starter Set → idcwoodcraft.com/11P-SET-W
- 6pc Essentials CNC Router Bit Starter Set → idcwoodcraft.com/6P-SET
- 1” Ultra-Smooth Cutting Surfacing Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/SU-10
- Other bits: IDC Woodcraft Website → idcwoodcraft.com
-----------------------------------------------------
IDC Woodcraft Mobile App (FREE)
- Apple → link.idcwoodcraft.com/vax4kc
- Android → link.idcwoodcraft.com/32hhz5
-----------------------------------------------------
IDC Woodcraft Router Bit Database
idcwoodcraft.com/pages/database-downloads
-----------------------------------------------------
OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
- Calipers → link.idcwoodcraft.com/vp2a3e
- Sanding/Buffing Brushes → link.idcwoodcraft.com/u01ge2
- CA Glue - 10% Off with Code: "IDC WOODCRAFT": link.idcwoodcraft.com/5fj21e
------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
- Vcarve Pro (RECOMMENDED) → link.idcwoodcraft.com/c19df4
- Vcarve Desktop → link.idcwoodcraft.com/63mso5
- Vectric Aspire → link.idcwoodcraft.com/7zfwyp
- Cut2D Desktop → vectric.com/products/cut2d/?ref=idcwoodcraft
- CarveCo 5% OFF with code IDCWOODCRAFT → http://carv.eco/buy
-----------------------------------------------------
COMPLETE VECTRIC SOFTWARE TRAINING → academy.learnyourcnc.com/a/2147507626/CqkFCPi3
CARVECO ACADEMY → link.idcwoodcraft.com/50ly2q
----------------------------------------------------
GSENDER CNC CONTROL → sienci.com/gsender/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT
----------------------------------------------------
CNC RESOURCES
- CNC Set Up Checklist → link.idcwoodcraft.com/xi8r0n
- Ultimate CNC Router Buyer’s Guide → link.idcwoodcraft.com/xxakuh
- Machine Setup Checklist → link.idcwoodcraft.com/yz5k2m
-----------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
- Altmill CNC Router → link.idcwoodcraft.com/k0ecg7
- Longmill CNC Router → link.idcwoodcraft.com/a0x8z9
---------------------------------------------
CNC ENTREPRENEURS Facebook Group → facebook.com/groups/cncentrepreneurs
------------------------------------------------------
CNC Insiders (free files and more) → idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free-files
------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL → buymeacoffee.com/garrettfromme
------------------------------------------------------
PODCASTS → https://anchor.fm/cnc-for-beginners
------------------------------------------------------
Email: garrett@idcwoodcraft.com
#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #idcwoodcraft #vcarvetutorials #vectric
----------------------------------------------------
Cool vector files for CNC router & CNC laser → etsy.me/3oxX79l
00:00 – Why the 1/16" Down Cut is the perfect size
00:16 – Introducing the DC116 End Mill
02:02 – Designing a layered shadow box
03:00 – Using Vectric Sheets effectively
08:40 – Creating profile toolpaths
10:49 – Workholding thin material safely
12:00 – Testing the bit's fine detail
14:18 – Painting and assembling the shadow box
15:31 – Examining the finished detail
16:28 – Final thoughts and what's next
#CNC #Woodworking #IDCWoodcraft #vectric #CNCRouter #RouterBits #ShadowBox #DownCutBit #WoodArt #DIYWoodworking #CNCTutorial #PrecisionWoodworking #Maker
Can a CNC machine create artwork detailed enough to replace a laser cutter?
In this project, Liberty puts IDC Woodcraft's 1/16" Down Cut End Mill to the test by creating an intricate three-layer wooden shadow box filled with tiny trees, grass, mountains, and detailed foreground elements. Along the way, she demonstrates how to design layered artwork using Vectric Sheets, create profile toolpaths, and safely machine extremely thin material using the CA glue method and a sub-spoilboard.
You'll also learn when a down-cut bit is the right choice, why tool diameter matters for detail, and how careful planning allows multiple carved layers to align perfectly into a finished piece.
If you've ever wondered whether your CNC can create projects normally reserved for a laser cutter, this video will give you practical techniques, workflow tips, and inspiration for pushing your machine's precision further than you thought possible.
Whether you're new to CNC woodworking or looking to expand your design capabilities, this project demonstrates just how much detail a properly selected bit can achieve.
1/16" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-116
Edgehugger Clamps → idcwoodcraft.com/search?q=edgehugger
1/8" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-18
1/4" Down Cut Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/DC-14
__________________________________
ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
- 12pc Complete CNC Router Bit Starter Set → idcwoodcraft.com/11P-SET-W
- 6pc Essentials CNC Router Bit Starter Set → idcwoodcraft.com/6P-SET
- 1” Ultra-Smooth Cutting Surfacing Bit → idcwoodcraft.com/SU-10
- Other bits: IDC Woodcraft Website → idcwoodcraft.com
-----------------------------------------------------
IDC Woodcraft Mobile App (FREE)
- Apple → link.idcwoodcraft.com/vax4kc
- Android → link.idcwoodcraft.com/32hhz5
-----------------------------------------------------
IDC Woodcraft Router Bit Database
idcwoodcraft.com/pages/database-downloads
-----------------------------------------------------
OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
- Calipers → link.idcwoodcraft.com/vp2a3e
- Sanding/Buffing Brushes → link.idcwoodcraft.com/u01ge2
- CA Glue - 10% Off with Code: "IDC WOODCRAFT": link.idcwoodcraft.com/5fj21e
------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
- Vcarve Pro (RECOMMENDED) → link.idcwoodcraft.com/c19df4
- Vcarve Desktop → link.idcwoodcraft.com/63mso5
- Vectric Aspire → link.idcwoodcraft.com/7zfwyp
- Cut2D Desktop → vectric.com/products/cut2d/?ref=idcwoodcraft
- CarveCo 5% OFF with code IDCWOODCRAFT → http://carv.eco/buy
-----------------------------------------------------
COMPLETE VECTRIC SOFTWARE TRAINING → academy.learnyourcnc.com/a/2147507626/CqkFCPi3
CARVECO ACADEMY → link.idcwoodcraft.com/50ly2q
----------------------------------------------------
GSENDER CNC CONTROL → sienci.com/gsender/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT
----------------------------------------------------
CNC RESOURCES
- CNC Set Up Checklist → link.idcwoodcraft.com/xi8r0n
- Ultimate CNC Router Buyer’s Guide → link.idcwoodcraft.com/xxakuh
- Machine Setup Checklist → link.idcwoodcraft.com/yz5k2m
-----------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
- Altmill CNC Router → link.idcwoodcraft.com/k0ecg7
- Longmill CNC Router → link.idcwoodcraft.com/a0x8z9
---------------------------------------------
CNC ENTREPRENEURS Facebook Group → facebook.com/groups/cncentrepreneurs
------------------------------------------------------
CNC Insiders (free files and more) → idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free-files
------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL → buymeacoffee.com/garrettfromme
------------------------------------------------------
PODCASTS → https://anchor.fm/cnc-for-beginners
------------------------------------------------------
Email: garrett@idcwoodcraft.com
#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #idcwoodcraft #vcarvetutorials #vectric
----------------------------------------------------
Cool vector files for CNC router & CNC laser → etsy.me/3oxX79l
00:00 – Why the 1/16" Down Cut is the perfect size
00:16 – Introducing the DC116 End Mill
02:02 – Designing a layered shadow box
03:00 – Using Vectric Sheets effectively
08:40 – Creating profile toolpaths
10:49 – Workholding thin material safely
12:00 – Testing the bit's fine detail
14:18 – Painting and assembling the shadow box
15:31 – Examining the finished detail
16:28 – Final thoughts and what's next
#CNC #Woodworking #IDCWoodcraft #vectric #CNCRouter #RouterBits #ShadowBox #DownCutBit #WoodArt #DIYWoodworking #CNCTutorial #PrecisionWoodworking #Maker
