RFTools Quarry and Clearing Quarry serve as powerful automation tools for large scale resource gathering in modded Minecraft. Each block offers distinct mining patterns, efficiency trade offs, and integration options with other RFTools systems.
Choosing between them depends on world layout, fuel constraints, and whether your priority is raw speed or flexible coverage. The comparison below highlights how these quarries differ in behavior and value.
| Feature | RFTools Quarry | RFTools Clearing Quarry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining Shape | Straight tunnel pattern along one axis | Clears a square or rectangular area at once | Quarry for linear mines, Clearing for enclosed pits |
| Setup Complexity | Moderate, requires planning tunnel length and boundaries | Simpler, define area with blocks and power input | Clearing for fast start, Quarry for optimized long runs |
| Speed Potential | High per token when path is optimized and boosted | Very fast for compact areas thanks to multi token mining | Both benefit from Speed and Void Magnitude tokens |
| Power and Token Cost | Uses Buildcraft power, token cost scales with distance | Also uses Buildcraft power, but can place multiple mining tokens | Compare active tokens and RF/t when scaling |
| Integration | Works with Transport Pipes, RFTools Teleportation | Compatible with Teleportation Pylon and standard pipes | Both fit into broader RFTools factory networks |
Understanding The Quarry Mining Pattern
The RFTools Quarry digs a long tunnel in a straight line, removing blocks along a single axis until it reaches the defined length or encounters an obstacle. Players configure its dimensions using controller blocks and can adjust the path by shifting or re placing the controller. It is ideal for creating branch mines or systematically stripping a tunnel without clearing an entire room.
Because the Quarry token counts travel distance, efficiency depends on avoiding unnecessary turns and placing tokens such as Speed and Dimension carefully. When powered by Buildcraft engines or RF, it can run for hours, but fuel usage and chunk loading rules still apply. Many players pair it with teleporters to move ores directly to central storage rooms.
Understanding The Clearing Quarry Behavior
The Clearing Quarry targets a flat area, removing all blocks within a square or rectangular selection defined by its placement. It excels at exposing ore veins, carving out quick surface mines, or preparing space for bases without manual digging.
This quarry places multiple mining tokens inside the selected region, allowing simultaneous removal of blocks and boosting overall speed for compact zones. Players often favor it for quick nether or end mining operations where large open pits are safer and more practical than long tunnels.
Performance And Resource Efficiency Comparison
Token economy is central to deciding which quarry type fits your workflow. The Quarry uses tokens primarily for distance, while the Clearing Quarry spends them on coverage area and faster block removal within that area.
Test setups that measure blocks per RF help identify the sweet spot for each quarry type. In high volume scenarios, stacking Speed and Fortune tokens in a Clearing Quarry can outperform a similarly powered Quarry, especially when mining dense ore clusters in confined spaces.
Integration Into Larger Factories And Base Design
Both quarry types can feed into pipe networks, chest buffers, and crafting lines, but their output rates and item flow differ. Clearing Quarry tends to dump large item bursts, which may require larger transit pipes or storage solutions to prevent lag.
Designers often isolate quarries behind filters and request pipes to control item flow into specific processing lines. When combined with Sorting Machines and Teleportation Pylon, either quarry can become a reliable node in a fully automated resource chain.
Key Takeaways For Quarry Selection
- Use RFTools Quarry for long, controlled tunnels and branch mining layouts.
- Choose Clearing Quarry for fast, compact area clearing in ores and surface blocks.
- Optimize token selection with Speed, Fortune, and Dimension for your target material.
- Plan power, pipe networks, and teleportation routes before scaling to multiple quarries.
- Monitor chunk loading and item throughput to prevent lag and ensure steady output.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which quarry type is better for early game resource gathering?
Clearing Quarry is usually easier to set up and delivers faster visible results in the early game, letting you quickly strip surface ores without complex tunnel planning.
Does the Quarry work better with Buildcraft or RF power systems?
RFTools Quarry is designed to use Buildcraft power directly, though RF can be converted, so match your power source to your existing factory infrastructure.
Can I expand a Clearing Quarry area later without breaking it?
Yes, you can redefine the area by moving the controller and boundary markers, but verify chunk loading and token placement to maintain consistent mining behavior.
What are the main causes of lag when running multiple quarries?
High item throughput, frequent chunk updates, and large active token counts can cause lag, so balance quarry count, transport pipe design, and storage buffering.