This is my first Minecraft Mod which I created to experiment bit with the game moding capability. I wanted to create a mod which would help me to mine in the game. I does not wanted to make it easier, but a bit automated.
The mod digs a 1x3 tunnel by adding torches and rail. It works as a hopper minecart with the digging functionality to it. It places rail and torch (in every 6 block). You can move the minecart by hand, by minecart with furnance or by using power rail and redstone torch. If the excavator detects any hazards (cliff, lava or water) it will stop digging and indicates the hazard with a particle effect.
If you setup a pattern like this you can have a pretty long run.
Blueprint
Recipe
Demo
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uegm45OHplc "Demo on Youtube")
Best Regards, DancZer