Getting Started: Building the Smeltery
The smeltery is Tinkers' core device. Build with seared bricks in a square pool (min 1x1 internal, max 11x11). Place controller, fuel tank (lava/coal), and drain at bottom. Add casting basin/table on sides. Pour molten metal into casting table. Basic tool: 3 ingots = tool head, 1 ingot = binding, 2 ingots = handle.
Tool Head Material Guide
Manyullyn: highest damage, fast mining, Cold-Blooded trait (+50% damage to full HP targets). Cobalt: high damage, fastest mining (14 speed), Momentum trait. Ardite: highest durability, Stonebound trait (more damage at low durability). Bone: Fractured trait (extra crit damage).
Binding & Handle Best Combos
Binding affects durability multiplier: Paper (+1 modifier slot), Rose Gold (+1 modifier), Cobalt (1.2x durability). Handle: Ardite (1.4x durability), Cobalt (1.2x speed), Bone (1.1x attack, 0.7x durability). Best formula: Cobalt head + Paper binding + Ardite handle = 5 modifier slots.
Optimal Modifier Setup
Base 3 slots. +Paper binding -> 4. +Rose Gold -> 5. Netherite Tip: +20% damage/speed, 1 slot. Diamond: +500 durability, 1 slot. Emerald: +50% durability, 1 slot. Redstone: +speed (up to +16), 1 slot. Lapis: Fortune/Looting, 1 slot. Recommended 5-slot: Netherite Tip + Diamond + Emerald + Lapis + Redstone = all-attribute god tool.