Cornerstone: The Thermal Series - Introduction

Thermal Expansion is one of my favorite mod series.  The machines just make sense, and it has changed over time to be even better.  If you haven't played recently some of the mechanics have changed, some things have been added, some taken away.  TE is a true backbone mod, many other mods rely on it for a framework to build upon.  TE handles ore generation, a power system called RedStone Flux (RF), fluid/item/power transfer pipes, and a suite of machines for different tasks.  Double ore output by pulverizing into dust, then smelt the dust in a furnace that runs on RF, not coal. Melt materials into fluids, then combine fluids with items to make new items.  Recharge items, or repair them.  Make snow and ice, lava and obsidian, from basic resources like water and cobblestone.

All of the machines, containers and blocks are upgradeable, and some can be augmented to perform new tasks or specialize in a certain task.  Increase output of the Pulverizer from 2 to 3 pieces, press gears or currency, power your generators with excess gems or enchanted items.  Store all of the experience you gain in a book, then extract that Essence of Knowledge and use it to enchant, repair or process in machines.