In the Create Mod for Minecraft, the Crushing Wheel is one of the most important mechanical devices for automating the process of ore doubling, material processing, and item conversion. It is a large mechanical structure used to crush various resources into more usable forms. Setting up a Crushing Wheel may seem complex at first, but with the right steps, you can craft and use it efficiently in your world. The process involves multiple crafting stages, a powerful rotation system, and specific block arrangements to make it work. Whether you’re just getting into Create or looking to expand your machinery, learning how to make a Crushing Wheel is a valuable step in mastering automation.
What is a Crushing Wheel in the Create Mod?
Basic Function
The Crushing Wheel is a pair of massive cog-like structures that rotate toward each other, pulling in and crushing any items placed between them. This tool is used to process raw materials such as ores into crushed forms, which can then be washed or smelted for increased yield. It plays a key role in automated processing setups.
Why Use Crushing Wheels?
Crushing Wheels are ideal for mid- to late-game automation. Here’s why many players use them:
- Doubles ore output with the right setup (when combined with washers)
- Crushes raw materials like cobblestone into gravel, sand, and clay
- Processes food, mob drops, and other items into new forms
- Supports full automation using chutes, belts, and funnels
How to Craft a Crushing Wheel
Required Materials
Before you can make a Crushing Wheel, you’ll need the following ingredients and components:
- 21 Andesite Alloy
- 2 Shafts
- 2 Large Cogwheels
- Mechanical Crafter setup
The Crushing Wheel cannot be crafted in a standard crafting table. You need to use a multiblock structure called the Mechanical Crafter to assemble the components in a 3×3 grid pattern.
Step-by-Step Crafting Guide
1. Set Up the Mechanical Crafters
You will need at least 21 Mechanical Crafters connected in a 3×3 configuration. Arrange them in a square, making sure the arrows on each Crafter point toward the center output. Power them using rotational force such as a Water Wheel, Encased Fan, or other source.
2. Insert Crafting Items
Place the following in your Mechanical Crafters in a specific pattern:
- Top row: Andesite Alloy Andesite Alloy Andesite Alloy
- Middle row: Large Cogwheel Shaft Large Cogwheel
- Bottom row: Andesite Alloy Andesite Alloy Andesite Alloy
Repeat this pattern twice if you want to make a pair of Crushing Wheels, which is required for the machine to work properly.
3. Start the Crafting Process
Once all items are inserted and the Mechanical Crafters are powered, the crafting animation will begin. After a short delay, the finished Crushing Wheel will drop into the output slot. You now have one Crushing Wheel.
How to Set Up a Working Crushing Wheel System
Position the Crushing Wheels
To use Crushing Wheels, you must place two of them facing each other with a one-block gap in between. They must rotate toward each other in order to pull items into the middle space. If they rotate the same direction, the system won’t work.
- Example: Left wheel rotates clockwise, right wheel rotates counter-clockwise
Power the Crushing Wheels
Use gearboxes, rotational shafts, and cogwheels to connect your power source to both wheels. Make sure to reverse the direction on one side using an extra gearbox or a sequence of gears. You can power the wheels using sources like:
- Water Wheels
- Steam Engines
- Encased Fans
- Creative Motor (in creative mode)
Each Crushing Wheel needs a significant amount of stress capacity, so make sure your power source is strong enough.
Item Input and Output
To automate input and output:
- Use a chute or conveyor belt to drop items into the gap between the wheels
- Use a chute or basin to collect the crushed outputs below the machine
Funnels and depots can also be used to filter and sort items as they exit the crushing process.
Common Materials You Can Crush
The Crushing Wheel supports a wide variety of items. Some examples include:
- Ores (Iron, Gold, Copper, Zinc, etc.) â Crushed variants
- Cobblestone â Gravel, Sand, and Clay
- Deepslate â Crushed Deepslate for dye materials
- Food (Wheat) â Flour
- Andesite â Crushed Andesite
Each item has its own processing recipe and output ratio, which can often be increased with additional Create devices like a Washing Station or a Millstone.
Tips for Using Crushing Wheels Efficiently
Automate with Belts and Chutes
Use conveyor belts to bring items into the wheels automatically. Set up an input chest with a funnel to move items onto the belt. Place a chute above the Crushing Wheel’s gap to drop items perfectly in place for crushing.
Sort the Outputs
Some materials produce multiple items when crushed (e.g., iron ore can yield crushed iron, experience nuggets, and cobblestone). Use a Brass Funnel or Smart Chute to separate the outputs and send them to different storage systems.
Watch Your Stress Load
Crushing Wheels use a lot of kinetic energy, especially when running continuously. Monitor your stress levels using a Stressometer. If the machine stalls, try reducing the speed or increasing your power source output.
Integrate with Washers
Crushed ores can be washed with an Encased Fan and water to yield even more refined materials. Placing a washer directly after the Crushing Wheel is an efficient way to maximize your ore processing pipeline.
Troubleshooting Crushing Wheel Setups
Wheels Not Spinning?
Check that both wheels are getting power and rotating in opposite directions. If they spin the same way, they won’t pull items inward. Use gearboxes or cogwheel setups to reverse one side’s rotation.
Items Not Getting Crushed?
Make sure items are landing exactly in the one-block space between the two wheels. Chutes and precise belt setups help ensure accurate delivery. If they fall off or miss the gap, adjust your chute height or use a funnel for more control.
Lag or Performance Drops?
Large Create setups, especially with many Crushing Wheels or animations, may cause lag on lower-end machines. Consider spacing out your machinery and reducing visual clutter like excessive ptopics or conveyors to improve performance.
The Crushing Wheel in Create Mod is a powerful tool for automating and optimizing your Minecraft resource processing. While crafting and setting it up requires effort and planning, the rewards in efficiency and automation are well worth it. With the right combination of mechanical power, crafting skill, and automation techniques, you can turn your base into a highly productive factory using Crushing Wheels as the foundation. Whether you’re processing ores, building industrial machines, or experimenting with mechanical design, mastering the Crushing Wheel is a major step in progressing through the Create Mod’s amazing world of engineering.