In the world of Minecraft modding, the Create Mod introduces innovative ways to automate and streamline gameplay. One of the most powerful tools available is the Crushing Wheel. This mechanical device can process raw resources into useful materials much more efficiently than traditional methods. Setting up a Crushing Wheel properly, however, involves a few intricate steps and an understanding of rotational power systems. For players looking to take full advantage of automation and ore processing, creating an effective Crushing Wheel setup is essential.
Understanding the Crushing Wheel
The Crushing Wheel is a mechanical block from the Create Mod that serves as an advanced ore processing solution. Unlike a furnace or crafting table, it uses kinetic energy to crush items, typically raw ores, into their processed forms. It works by placing two Crushing Wheels facing each other, with a gap of one block in between. Items dropped between the wheels will be pulled in and crushed automatically.
Crushing Wheels are best used in mid to late-game Create Mod playthroughs. They provide better yield for many materials and are compatible with a variety of setups, making them ideal for automation lines and industrial builds.
Materials Needed for a Crushing Wheel Setup
Before you can assemble your Crushing Wheel system, you’ll need to craft several components. These include
- 2 Crushing Wheels
- 1 Mechanical Press (optional, for crafting components)
- Gearboxes or Cogs for power transmission
- Rotational Power Source (Water Wheel, Steam Engine, or Windmill)
- Encased Shafts and Belts
- Chutes or Funnels for item input/output
- Depot or Basin (optional, for collection and automation)
Crafting the Crushing Wheels themselves requires a Mechanical Crafter setup, which is a multi-block structure where several Crafters must be powered and arranged in a specific formation.
Crafting the Crushing Wheel
Mechanical Crafter Assembly
To begin, you will need to build a 3×3 Mechanical Crafter grid. Each Crafter must be connected to a rotational power source and configured to push items to the correct direction, leading to the central output slot. The recipe for a Crushing Wheel includes
- Andesite Alloy
- Wooden Planks
- Shafts
- Stone
Once the ingredients are placed into the crafters correctly, they will animate and merge into a completed Crushing Wheel. Repeat the process to craft two wheels for your setup.
Aligning the Crushing Wheels
Place the two Crushing Wheels exactly one block apart and facing each other. Orientation is key make sure their rotational faces are directed toward each other. A one-block gap in between will be the zone where materials are crushed.
To activate them, each wheel must spin in opposite directions so that items are pulled into the crushing zone. This is usually achieved by connecting both wheels to the same power source, but reversing the rotational direction for one of them using a Gearbox or Cogwheel redirection.
Powering the Wheels
There are several power sources in the Create Mod, each with its own strengths
- Water Wheel– A reliable and eco-friendly option. Best for early-game setups.
- Steam Engine– Provides consistent power output but requires water and fuel management.
- Windmill– Scales well with size but can be space-intensive.
Choose a power source suitable for your setup. Connect it to a shaft, which is then linked to your Crushing Wheels using cogwheels, encased shafts, and gearboxes. Make sure to invert one wheel’s rotation by placing a gearbox or using a belt loop.
Input and Output Management
Item Insertion
To feed items into the Crushing Wheel, you can use a chute, a mechanical belt, or simply drop items manually. For automation, the best method is to have an input chute or funnel placed directly above the space between the two wheels.
Items dropped into this space are automatically drawn in and processed. You can also use a deployer to place items if you’re integrating the wheel into a larger automation system.
Collecting Crushed Items
Once the items are crushed, they are ejected below or to the sides depending on setup. Using a depot or a basin beneath the Crushing Wheels can help collect items neatly. For continuous automation, connect a funnel or brass chute to an output belt that leads the processed items to storage or further processing stations.
Best Practices for Crushing Wheel Setups
Compact Design
If space is a concern, aim for a vertical setup. Place the wheels on the second layer and let gravity handle item placement and collection. Using vertical gearboxes and shafts allows you to keep everything tight and efficient.
Modular Systems
Design your Crushing Wheel area to be modular. This makes it easier to integrate with other machines like mixers, presses, or washers. Create mod setups thrive on scalability, so build with future expansion in mind.
Maintenance and Access
Leave access paths for repairs or adjustments. If a belt breaks or a gearbox jams due to overload, you’ll want a way to reach the internals without dismantling the whole system.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Wheels Not SpinningCheck your power input and make sure both wheels are receiving power. Use a wrench to verify direction.
- Items Not CrushingMake sure items are falling directly into the one-block gap between the wheels. Misaligned drops will miss the crushing zone.
- Low SpeedCrushing Wheels require at least speed 16 to function. Use gear ratios to increase speed from the power source.
- Item OverflowInstall a smart storage system with filters to avoid backup. Use funnels to direct output cleanly.
Advanced Automation with Crushing Wheels
As you progress in your world, consider automating your entire resource chain. Combine Crushing Wheels with
- Mechanical Belts– For transporting materials between machines.
- Sequenced Assembly– Combine crushed items with deployers for advanced crafting.
- Redstone Control– Use redstone links or levers to control power flow to the wheels.
This turns your Crushing Wheel into part of a fully automated industrial plant, processing ores from mining all the way to final products without manual effort.
Creating a Crushing Wheel setup in the Create Mod is one of the most rewarding and powerful steps in automating your Minecraft world. With the right tools, planning, and understanding of rotational mechanics, you can build a reliable system that handles ore processing at scale. Whether you’re building a compact workshop or a sprawling industrial complex, a well-designed Crushing Wheel setup will save you time, effort, and resources in the long run.