The grinder is a structure that essentially offers you 3 functions.
You can convert items into resources, break down blueprints and modules into scraps (snippets) or parts and upgrade blueprints and modules.
How do I make the grinder?
To be able to craft a grinder, you need an "Essence of a Rock Elemental" in addition to a few normal mats. For this in turn you need a "Rock Elemental Taming Token". You can buy this for 38,000 gold coins from the magical materials dealer on C3. You can find it in the small NPC market to the left of the tavern.
With this token you have to go to a Powerstone Island and tame a Rock Elemental there. In other words: hit 20% and use the token. Then you have to stab the Rock Elemental with a sacrificial dagger as you are used to doing with sacrificial animals. You will receive the essence of a Rock Elemental.
To build the grinder you will need:
Essence of a Rock Elemental
3x 200 Alloy
3x 200 Hide
Important: The Taming Token lasts 48 RL hours, the heart only 1 RL hour. So plan carefully.
Is there another way to get a grinder?
If you're lucky, someone is selling a grinder on the Player market in Nassau. Alternatively, you can also buy 2000 doubloons in the Davy Jones Locker and use it to buy a finished grinder in the Davy Jones Shop.
How do I get the grinder to run?
Mythos is used as fuel. Simply put it in your inventory and the grinder will start.
How do I use the grinder?
Dismantling existing objects
You can throw old cannons, wooden components, sails etc. into the grinder and dismantle them. Important: you will not receive any normal materials as you cut them from the tree (i.e. not oak or hardwood, for example), but pure "wood". This also has its purpose, but cannot be used with BP.
To disassemble items and convert them into resources, activate the grinder and click on the "Crush All" button.
Dismantling construction plans and ship modules
To be able to upgrade your blueprints or ship modules, you must first create Blueprint Scraps or Module Parts Scraps. To do this, you can simply place blueprints and modules that you do not want to use in the grinder and convert them. To do this, activate the grinder and click on the "Crush All" button. Alternatively, you can also click on individual blueprints or modules and convert them using the "Crush Item" button. How many building plan snippets or module parts you get when disassembling depends on the quality of the building plans or modules you disassemble.
Fine (green)
2
Journeyman (Blue)
4
Masterwork (Purple)
8
Legendary (yellow)
16
Mythical (light blue)
32
Unique (red)
64
Upgrading construction plans and ship modules
With the help of Blueprint Scraps or Module Parts Scraps and gold, you can raise Blueprints by one quality level. For example, from "fine" (green) to "Journeymen" (blue). To do this, put gold, mythos (as fuel) and construction plan snippets or module parts into the grinder. Left-click on the BP or the ship module you want to upgrade and then click on "Upgrade Blueprint/Module" in the middle of the inventory.
Very important: The type of construction plan remains the same. So a cannon remains a cannon. There is no guarantee of improved values! It is therefore possible that the bonuses you receive on the new blueprint or ship module do not correspond to your wishes!
What costs are incurred when upgrading construction plans and ship modules?