Tutorials/Cobblestone farming

Cobblestone farming uses a Cobblestone generator to produce cobblestone without damaging the terrain. Cobblestone generators work on the principle that when a lava stream comes into contact with water, the lava is turned into cobblestone. This fresh cobblestone then prevents the two streams from touching. When this fresh cobblestone is removed, the two fluids will produce another piece of cobblestone.

Many generator designs exist, but the most basic is a 10-block long trench with a water source block at one end, and a lava source block at the other. This will create cobblestone next to the lava source block.

One must be careful not to accidently create obsidian, which happens when water comes into contact with a lava source block (See Tutorials/Obsidian Farming). A basic understanding of fluids is helpful to prevent this.

Standard Cobblestone Generator
Standard generators have been around for quite a while. Their popularity, however, is limited because cobblestone is so readily available. Standard generators have the player mine the fresh cobblestone, which they then collect. The main issue with this type of cobblestone generator is that the item can fall into the lava, destroying the item. Even though cobblestone is a renewable resource, this greatly reduces efficiency.

Sample designs: It is suggested to use obsidian blocks behind the lava source blocks, as this will stop you from accidentally mining a hole in the back wall.
 * Fountain Style

This design features a lower chance of the cobblestone being destroyed by lava, but it is significantly larger.
 * From Below

Piston Cobblestone Generator
Pistons can be used to automate the cobblestone generator. Piston cobblestone generators work on the same principle as standard generators, but, rather than mining, a piston is what clears the fresh cobblestone allowing the streams to touch once again. Piston cobblestone generators can be used in two ways, to create a large supply of cobblestone that the player can mine later, or to keep the cobblestone as blocks, which can be used for self-repairing structures.

As of 1.9, lava flowing into water from above creates smooth stone. Stone can be mined slightly faster than cobblestone and gives self-repairing structures a different, more natural look.

Components
There are three basic components to consider in a piston cobblestone generator:
 * The Core. This part includes the water and lava that creates the fresh cobblestone.
 * A clock generator. This part sends a pulse to the piston that pushes fresh cobblestone out.
 * Secondary Pistons. These parts move the fresh cobblestone further, allowing for more cobblestone to be generated.

The Core
This part can be very similar to standard cobblestone generators. The lava and water mix in front of the piston. One thing to consider is that the piston must be accessible by redstone. There is a hole at the end of the water stream which draws the water straight. When attached to a redstone clock, this will create a single row of cobblestone 13 blocks long (since the limit a piston can push blocks is 12 blocks).

The stone generator is rarely used without pistons, as lava needs to be directly above the stone generated. Lava must flow down into water flowing in front of the piston. Like cobblestone generators, it will make a row of stone up to 13 blocks long.

Redstone Clock Generator
A basic understanding of redstone is helpful but not necessarily required. The ideal clock will send a pulse shortly after the cobblestone has been created, making way for a new piece of cobblestone. However, lava spreads slowly and inconsistently, so this can be difficult to achieve.

Clocks with a pulse limiter are effective, as well as piston clocks with a single output connected. A block detector can also be used to create a generator that instantly pushes cobblestone down when it forms.

Secondary Pistons
Since pistons can only push a maximum of 12 blocks, the core will only produce a limit of 13 cobblestone blocks. This can be greatly increased with secondary pistons that guide the row of cobblestone in other directions. In a way, it is a similar idea as the core piston in that it removes the fresh cobblestone in order for more to be created. Self repairing structures tend to use several secondary pistons and one or two cores.

Triggering a secondary piston can be done a few ways. The secondary pistons can be connected to the same redstone clock as the core, which periodically extend the piston. This can be annoying if you are working in the area as pistons make considerable noise. Alternatively, a Redstone Repeater can send a signal through the block which detects when a piece of cobblestone is present. This can then send a signal to a line of secondary pistons which trigger simultaneously.  Downstream Generator ''' A downstream generator is a simple generator and the most easy to make. First, have a square which is at least a 4x2 square, this will be the area where it will go. Next, mark one of the squares within your construction area with a torch. You will NOT MINE THAT BLOCK yet. Skip the block next to the marked one and mine the block to the left or right of that block. Make sure that it is TWO BLOCKS DEEP. Then mine the block behind it one so that it is one block deep. Next, gather some water in a bucket and dump it onto the one block deep area. It should flow down into the two block deep area.

That is your water canal finished. Leave it alone for now. Next you need to gather lava from somewhere (a ravine, cavern, etc.) and gather some up in a bucket. On the opposite side of your water canal is where you lava canal will be placed. Mine two blocks deep on the block that you marked with a torch. Then to the right of that block, mine the other block one block deep. DO NOT MINE THE BLOCK SEPARATING YOUR CANALS. Next, place the lava on top of the one block deep block. Lava should flow down into the little hole.

Now you're almost done! Mine the block separating the two canals and watch to see if some cobblestone will form. If some did, well done! You no have a cobblestone generator! In order to mine and gather the cobblestone block, simply mine it with any pickaxe and hoe that it will fall into the water, because it will get destroyed if it hits lava. After the block is in the water canal, you can pick it up. Keep doing this as many times as you like, but it is only 50% effective because the mined block can fall into the lava.

If you created obsidian, then you didn't have enough lava flowing. TIP: You need at least a TWO block long stream of lava for this to work. The two canals must also be even in size.

Video Tutorials/Examples
This uses a four sided repeater clock, but with uneven delay. The piston is retracted 5/6th of the cycle.
 * Piston generator

This compact design triggers when cobblestone is generated rather than using an external clock which means it provides the player fresh cobblestone much faster.
 * Cobblestone Detecting Piston Generator

This shows how secondary pistons move the row of cobblestone from the core. They trigger at every clock cycle.
 * Secondary Pistons

This shows how signals can go through solid blocks using repeaters. This will trigger independently of a central clock and is a viable way of setting up secondary pistons to minimize noise.
 * Block Detector

Anleitungen/Pflasterstein-Fabrik Tutoriels/Cultiver la pierre Генератор булыжников