This video covers why CNC bit offset matters & 3 ways to offset your CNC router bits for faster CNC project making. Ever wonder why some CNC bits just seem to get more done faster? In this video, I’m going to show you why roughing bits like The Beast for CNC wood working projects matter, and more importantly—how to use them the right way by offsetting them in your toolpaths. I will demonstrate this in the @vectric vcarve pro design software. This one small step can completely change the quality and speed of your CNC projects.
You’ll learn 3 different methods to offset your CNC router bit.
Whether you're carving hardwoods or batching out products, proper offsetting ensures your roughing pass leaves just enough material for a smooth finish cut. I’ll show you how to do this using:
1. Built-in toolpath allowances,
2. Offset vector design methods, and
3. A sneaky trick using your tool database settings.
CNC router used in this video → Altmill 4x4 https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/k0ecg7
This was instructed in the Vectric Vcarve Pro @vectric design software
Get Vectric here → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/c19df4
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CNC BITS MENTIONED IN VIDEO
The Beast (1/4" Roughing Bit) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/BEAST
The Badger (1/8" Roughing Bit) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/BADGER
The Hog (1/4" Long Flute Roughing Bit) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/HOG
The Slayer (3/8" Roughing Bit) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/HE-38-1
The Ripper (1/2" Roughing Bit) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/HE-12-1
1/4" Down Cut Endmill → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/DC-14
Roughing Bit Set (Beast, Badger, Hog) → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/BEBAHO-SET
ALL roughing bits → https://idcwoodcraft.com/collections/roughing
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Video about Layers → https://youtu.be/ujA7Uug9ph8
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ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
- 12pc Complete CNC Router Bit Starter Set → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/11P-SET-W
- 6pc Essentials CNC Router Bit Starter Set → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/6P-SET
- 1” Ultra-Smooth Cutting Surfacing Bit → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/SU-10
- Other bits: IDC Woodcraft Website → www.idcwoodcraft.com
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IDC Woodcraft Mobile App (FREE)
- Apple → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/vax4kc
- Android → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/32hhz5
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IDC Woodcraft Router Bit Database
https://idcwoodcraft.com/pages/database-downloads
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OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
- Calipers → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/vp2a3e
- Sanding/Buffing Brushes → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/u01ge2
- CA Glue - 10% Off with Code: "IDC WOODCRAFT": https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/5fj21e
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RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
- Vcarve Pro (RECOMMENDED) → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/c19df4
- Vcarve Desktop → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/63mso5
- Vectric Aspire → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/7zfwyp
- Cut2D Desktop → https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d/idcwoodcraft
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COMPLETE VECTRIC SOFTWARE TRAINING → https://academy.learnyourcnc.com/a/2147507626/CqkFCPi3
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GSENDER CNC CONTROL → https://sienci.com/gsender/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT
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CNC RESOURCES
- CNC Set Up Checklist → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/xi8r0n
- Ultimate CNC Router Buyer’s Guide → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/xxakuh
- Machine Setup Checklist → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/yz5k2m
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RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
- Altmill CNC Router → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/k0ecg7
- Longmill CNC Router → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/a0x8z9
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CNC ENTREPRENEURS Facebook Group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/cncentrepreneurs
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CNC Insiders (free files and more) → https://idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free-files/
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:29 – The Beast Bit Explained (1/4” Roughing Endmill)
01:00 – Why You Need to Offset CNC Bits
01:32 – Technique 1: Toolpath Allowance Offset
03:48 – Profile Toolpath Offsets vs Pocket Toolpaths
06:34 – Technique 2: Offset Vector Method
07:05 – How to Copy and Offset Vectors in Vectric
11:42 – Why Roughing Bits Like The Beast Save Time
12:16 – Technique 3: Change Bit Diameter in Tool Database
15:05 – How Bit Diameter Edits Carry Across Toolpaths
16:47 – Pros & Cons: Allowance Offset in Toolpath
17:19 – Pros & Cons: Offset Vector Method
18:23 – Pros & Cons: Changing Router Bit Data
17:49 – Why Layers Matter When Using Vector Offsets
20:32 – Why You Need a Roughing Bit Like The Beast
21:32 – Which Roughing Bit to Use for Your CNC Router