Ep. 38: CNC Bits with Liberty from IDC Woodcraft

In this episode of Whatcha Makin', hosts Alex Duffey (Duffey Woodcraft) and Alex Adams (Type A Furniture) dive deep into the sharp world of CNC router bits. They are joined by special guest Liberty the Creator from IDC Woodcraft, who shares her journey from a small-town barista to a CNC bit expert and content creator.On the BenchThe crew discusses their current projects, ranging from high-end furniture to experimental 3D builds:Alex Duffey: Wrapping up a custom cribbage board video for the CNC Summit, finishing a reclaimed barnwood piece, and installing a unique "L-shaped" floating walnut bookshelf for his wife.Alex Adams: Battling "bowed and cupped" boards for a massive walnut dining table and managing the "creative chaos" of his son’s spring break shop projects.Liberty: Developing a complex 3D spiral dice tower using only 2D toolpaths—avoiding 3D modeling software as a personal challenge.Main Topic: The Cutting Edge of CNC BitsLiberty pulls back the curtain on IDC Woodcraft, discussing why quality carbide and proper "chucking" (bit placement) are the difference between a clean carve and a snapped tool.The "Starter Six": Alex Duffey breaks down his essential list for beginners: V-60, 1/4" down-cut, bowl bit, 1/8" down-cut, 1/4" ball nose, and the specialized Lightning Drill Bit for cribbage boards.Pro Tips: Why you should avoid bit adapters, the science behind bit coatings, and the importance of chip ejection to prevent shop fires.Behind the Scenes: Liberty shares the "small-town" origin story of working with Garrett (the IDC Woodman) and how the company maintains a personal touch—velvet bags and M&Ms included.The "Falling Off the Bench" SegmentBroken Bits: Alex Adams laments a 1/16" drill bit permanently embedded in a door.Restoration Fails: A struggle to repair a sentimental shark toy with CA glue and heat before turning to construction caulk.Aging Makers: The group reflects on the physical toll of "wood reorgs" and moving heavy slabs.Featured Makers of the WeekEdick Wood Carving: Incredible hand-carved maple owl feathers.Standish Wood Story: A philosophical look at when one truly becomes a "woodworker."Citrus Cedar: A clever, non-utilitarian dumbbell cabinet with a transforming lid.Alexander Brothers: Exquisite rocking chairs featuring tiny, hand-carved mice and cats.John Malecki: The massive, multi-material Stranger Things Upside Down table.Evergreen Daydream: Intricate Intarsia landscapes with natural-colored woods.Fog River (Ben Whitten): An 8-foot round conference table made from a single slab of the world's largest walnut tree.Shallow Creek Woodcraft: Ash side tables featuring striking diagonal walnut accents.