+1 It'd be really cool to be able to make that stuff, but I rather prefer the idea of quills being rewards for every time you defeat a rook..
Perhaps we could use crystals for glass tools? It's not like we have to show that it's being heated up to re-shape it (we don't show any animation for metal ingots being reshaped into frying pans and what-not).
The glass will be obtained by putting sand in the smelter. Sand we will get from grinding a new resource, sandrock, that will come from pouring milk on apples. Any competent alchemist can perform this.
Quill: Someone said something in an earlier idea about getting rook feathers as a reward for defeating the rook. Maybe make this a resource, used in quill making? It would give a reward other than a small about of iMG and a sense of pride for defending Ur (sometimes it doesn't seem worth it).
Focusing orb: Maybe another use for crystals, besides restoring mining rocks (if there are any other uses I've not found them). Maybe even incorporate gems?
Tinkertool: Part of me says building a tinkertool with a tinkertool is the type of loop that should get you sucked into a black hole of your own making, but then, I guess you can use a hammer to make another hammer, so I guess that would be alright.
If you can repair a tinkertool with a tinkertool, then you should be able to craft a tinkertool using a tinkertool without the universe imploding. It's just that with non-craftable items (and i would add firefly jars to the list) there is less possibility for price competition against the vendors. You pretty much have to go to the vendors and that's it. I would like to see *more* craftable-only items.
I was just thinking to myself that I would really, really, REALLY like to be able to spin Focusing Orbs instead of having to go out and hope for drops so that I can keep them in stock in my store.
Could be done with the Crystalmalizer, maybe, or some new type of tool ("Psonic Snail-driver" anyone?).
Using, say, 2 Plain Crystals and some Essence of Purple would be a good, balanced recipe. :) A Beaker could be 1 Plain Crystal and a chunk of Dullite or a couple of Hard Bubbles or something.
One problem with using Plain Crystals with Test Tubes or Firefly Jars though is the value loss. 1 Plain Crystal = 300 currants, while a Test Tube or Firefly Jar is only 100 c. Maybe a good chance for a second type of Crystal then! Tiny Crystals, that could either be broken down from Plain Crystals, or just be a separate recipe in the Crystalmalizer. :)
Anyways, more crafting=more awesome, any way you slice it. :) +1