Just an FYI as this mod seems to be abandoned without a fix for the crash to desktop (CTD): I've built upon the idea of this mod and created a new "Mk 2" version from scratch that's faster, fixes the crashing, and has additional functionality & customization options: Portable Junk Recycler Mk 2
FYI: Your also mod requires F4SE & MCM, neither of which I have installed. Whereas this mod never crashed on me in a 114-level playthru. Your mod also adds odd bonuses. Nothing's perfect, sure, but traducing an old mod as "abandoned" just to push your fancy one is too much.
Many people have F4SE and MCM installed already as they enable the ability to use some particularly cool mods such as Buffout 4. There's no reason not to use them (if you can - console players are out of luck unfortunately), and I would highly recommend you do so.
The Mk 2's bonuses are completely configurable, and it can be installed with different presets, one of which is to not have any bonuses at all. The point of it is to allow the player to choose what they want, not to dictate how they should play.
This mod isn't merely "not perfect", it actively crashes. There are literally reports of this going back to 2016 just after this mod was released. Sure, you can possibly get it to not crash by standing still and looking either straight up or straight down, but I'd prefer to simply not have to worry about it in the first place.
The mod author is welcome to say it's not abandoned, but the evidence, such as there not being any updates to the mod, all bug reports being untouched since the release of this mod, and the mod author not having a single post in this mod's comment section, is there for everyone to see.
I have exactly zero mods that are supported by MCM. How is it essential to me? I studiously avoid mods that require script extenders, yet have over 1,300 hours and am playing right now. No update has ever broken my game ... perhaps you should reexamine the definition of "essential" since it's not actually a synonym for "my preference." I can't start a new game with MK2, it causes an infinite black screen.
Oh wow, look at you arent you special? You literally obliterated yourself in your own argument. "I went out of my way to not have mods that require the thing I don't think is essential" Idiot. Urm EXCHUSE ME BUG REPORT I DIDNT INSTALL REQUIRED MODS AND NOW YOUR MOD ISNT WORKING PLZ FIX
I never had any issues with the original, but I do remember the bug reports from other people and for some reason that stayed with me over the years. lol
Anyhow, let me do the simple proper thing here. Thank you rux616 for taking the time out of your personal life to revise and carry on the idea of a pretty cool mod. I can't code worth a sh!t, but I enjoy using mods so it's very appreciated. Not really sure why sharing your work like this with others would ever be criticized, but I gave up trying to understand self-absorbed people a long time ago. Be easy.
I find that with this mod (Original) installed I start getting crashes over time. Then I try to open the portable recycler and it doesn't open. Just a script stuck in the background. I will try this MK 2
The junk scrapping workbench mod I used back in 2016 is long gone, so I searched for a replacement and found multiple options on Nexus. To aid other players in their choice, here is the following tests results and my review of 5 of them:
Note that none of these are capable of scrapping weapons or armor, and that is an issue with the game engine, not the mods. Everyone wishes this functionality existed, but it doesn’t.
Scrapping Machine by pra https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/35793 Requires F4SE, works as described by author. Pros: simple, functional. Adds two machines, “Scrapping Machine” that the player can place junk in manually one item at a time, and a “Workshop Scrapping Machine” that the player can use to scrap all junk items stored in the workbench. Cons: No “dump all junk” with one click option for the “Scrapping Machine,” must place everything individually. No way to avoid scrapping useful junk in the workbench without pulling it out. No separate function to activate scrapping, so once you back out of the input menu, it will scrap everything placed automatically.
Workshop Junk Grinder by Pharros https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/23328 Unclear if it requires F4SE based on description; I always test mods with it so I was using it. Does not work (for me) as described by author. Pros: seems to work exactly the same as the “Scrapping Machine” part of the above mod for some players. Ultra simple and minimal (especially if it doesn’t require F4SE, which it may not.) Cons: Many players, myself included, cannot get it to work. The Settlement Object can be created, but it requires power and refuses to connect to a generator or work right next to one. Due to this, I cannot recommend; Scrapping Machine by pra works better for the same purpose.
Scrap-O-Tron 2000 by djxavier13 https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/17167 F4SE not required. Works mostly as described by author, with some additional info in comments. Pros: Has the best functionality in a single package. Only option that can transfer all junk into it (instead of into workbench first like Scrapping machine). Additional function transfers all junk except scrappable junk that is used as crafting ingredient or has a survival purpose. Placed junk can be recovered after exiting container menu since a separate function activates it. Gained components can be taken from machine or transferred to the workbench with yet another function. Cons: Buttons will flicker and disappear with certain camera angles at close range. Limited portable use option crafted at chemistry station would have been a huge pro, except it doesn’t work quite as intended; breeding additional kits with each use, potentially infinitely as it can be used without actually scrapping anything. The “Transfer all Junk Except…” function does require a second plugin to work with DLC-added items or to exempt vanilla items with additional Survival mode functions, but it’s not a huge deal.
Portable Junk Recycler by Kentington https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/14110 F4SE not required, AFAIK. Works as described by author. Pros: Simple, no requirements. Seems to do what it says on the tin. Cons: Hasn’t been supported in 6 years, and there are reports of bugs by other users (which I cannot personally attest to as I only tested it in a settlement briefly. I used this years ago in tandem with another mod, I vaguely remember it working fine.)
Portable Junk Recycler Mk 2 by rux616 https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/54138 F4SE and MCM required. Works as described by author (mostly) and still supported. Pros: Insanely customizable. Can work identically to the original mod it was built to replace, but many additional options as well to cater to various playstyles. Various versions can be selected on install, and then virtually all options can be changed from MCM in game. Highlights for me include the option to turn off all the notifications of components added by scrapping, the ability to make it limited use or not, and 2 different crafting recipes which require simple or alternatively some very rare components to make it a real reward. Actively supported by the author who responds to almost every post on the mod page, and is working to squash bugs and polish this bad boy to perfection. Cons: Author does say in description that this may cause problems by uninstalling since it adds some scripts to items. Uninstalling is generally not recommended for most mods though. Is a much beefier file than the original, but we’re still only talking 8 MBs in all. Requires Script Extender and MCM, but this isn’t really a downside as they (IMO) should be included in your mod list by default. Some players may be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of options but the complicated stuff can be switched off at a higher level in the menu easily. Multipliers could be a little game-breaking but are again optional, and higher loot appeals to some people. I’m nitpicking and reaching just to be as impartial as possible; these are all minor/non-issues at best.
My thoughts: While the Scrapping Machine has its upside and I prefer it visually, to me the clear winner for the Settlement Object versions is Scrap-O-Tron 2000. Both will receive an endorsement from me, but I’m officially recommending Scrap-O-Tron, with the caveat to avoid using its portable function entirely. Of the Portable versions, the Mk2 is the way to go. It is supported, updated, and far less buggy. It’s functionality blows the original out of the water. Therefore it is receiving my endorsement and my official recommendation. In my upcoming playthough, I will personally be using Scrap-O-Tron and Portable Junk Recycler Mk 2 in tandem. I plan to craft the Portable with the simple recipe as a limited use item, then craft the rare-ingredient option as infinite use down the line.
Don't see how you could possibly conclude mk2 is better than this one. Mk2 requires F4SE and MCM - which I played happily without for an entire campaign so please don't presume to tell people what they should and shouldn't have anyway! Pah! I keep my load order as uncomplicated as possible, and those mods and their plugins (though adding utility) add nothing I personally need or want, and are not 100% issue free. So as I don't need them I don't use them. And as you say yourself, Mk2 is big and complicated - with very little benefit - why make life complicated for yourself, your game and loadout just to take a friggin screw from a fan etc? Basically Mk2 was made just because it's maker likes playing with MCM settings, and wrongly besmirched this older mod just to push theirs.
By contrast this one is ultra simple, lightweight & realistic, and can be added/removed at will. And there's no need to add a settlement junk mod. Just because a mod is getting old doesn't automatically mean it's bad! - it can just as often mean it's a total success and doesn't need any more work! And "bugs" are due to user error. One could argue about possibly needing a UFO4P patch in the future but I never noticed problem with UFO4P 2.1.3 installed (haven't tried 2.1.4 yet but can't imagine anything would break).
Great list! I'm bookmarking this for my next playthrough, and I'm glad I wasn't going insane when I couldn't find the old scrap workbench I used to use.
I agree with the previous comment! this is a great list! Detailed descriptions with provided links, cons and pros, as well as recommendations. Saved me "a lot of time" finding and testing each one out for myself. Wish more people offered their recommendations and thoughts as detailed as this comment did! Good stuff!
Do as Marcurious says (30 Oct 2020), and read what Synthwendigo says (24 Dec 2020), and you should be ok.
When you load things into the recycler and let it run, it takes time, like a couple of seconds per item. Do it someplace/time safe when you can just chillax and not do anything else. You can idly glance around but wait for the scrap processing to complete before running off or fighting or even interacting with pretty much anything. Think of the level of activity when you are crafting/recycling at a workbench - you are doing nothing else and this needs to be treated like that and not done on the fly, not loaded up and left to churn away while you do other things.
You get on-screen notifications of the processed materials added, every couple of seconds for each item as it is processed, so you'll know when it's done and what's been added. 2 secs per item might not sound much and isn't, but throw in 45+ items and that's gonna be pushing nearly 2 minutes and will seem like a long time in-game.
Ok, but how do you actually apply it, precisely? - because the description is light on detail. Well, I crafted it at the chem station and it was in my aid list (so you could favourite it if you wish). Click on it and it opens an on-screen "container" window, (I didn't see an actual container in front of me, just a pair of inventory windows as if I were transferring things from my inventory to a container). Transfer items one-by-one (there's no "transfer all junk" option, but you can "take all" back if you decide to quit without processing), then close by hitting tab (at least on my PC), and the inventory windows close and it'll start churning away.
Would it be possible to add the ability to scrap weapons and armour/clothes to components if the player has the scrapper perk, like we can at the weapons and armour benches. If not thanks for a great mod anyway.
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Anyhow, let me do the simple proper thing here. Thank you rux616 for taking the time out of your personal life to revise and carry on the idea of a pretty cool mod. I can't code worth a sh!t, but I enjoy using mods so it's very appreciated. Not really sure why sharing your work like this with others would ever be criticized, but I gave up trying to understand self-absorbed people a long time ago. Be easy.
Note that none of these are capable of scrapping weapons or armor, and that is an issue with the game engine, not the mods. Everyone wishes this functionality existed, but it doesn’t.
Scrapping Machine by pra
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/35793
Requires F4SE, works as described by author.
Pros: simple, functional. Adds two machines, “Scrapping Machine” that the player can place junk in manually one item at a time, and a “Workshop Scrapping Machine” that the player can use to scrap all junk items stored in the workbench.
Cons: No “dump all junk” with one click option for the “Scrapping Machine,” must place everything individually. No way to avoid scrapping useful junk in the workbench without pulling it out. No separate function to activate scrapping, so once you back out of the input menu, it will scrap everything placed automatically.
Workshop Junk Grinder by Pharros
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/23328
Unclear if it requires F4SE based on description; I always test mods with it so I was using it. Does not work (for me) as described by author.
Pros: seems to work exactly the same as the “Scrapping Machine” part of the above mod for some players. Ultra simple and minimal (especially if it doesn’t require F4SE, which it may not.)
Cons: Many players, myself included, cannot get it to work. The Settlement Object can be created, but it requires power and refuses to connect to a generator or work right next to one. Due to this, I cannot recommend; Scrapping Machine by pra works better for the same purpose.
Scrap-O-Tron 2000 by djxavier13
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/17167
F4SE not required. Works mostly as described by author, with some additional info in comments.
Pros: Has the best functionality in a single package. Only option that can transfer all junk into it (instead of into workbench first like Scrapping machine). Additional function transfers all junk except scrappable junk that is used as crafting ingredient or has a survival purpose. Placed junk can be recovered after exiting container menu since a separate function activates it. Gained components can be taken from machine or transferred to the workbench with yet another function.
Cons: Buttons will flicker and disappear with certain camera angles at close range. Limited portable use option crafted at chemistry station would have been a huge pro, except it doesn’t work quite as intended; breeding additional kits with each use, potentially infinitely as it can be used without actually scrapping anything. The “Transfer all Junk Except…” function does require a second plugin to work with DLC-added items or to exempt vanilla items with additional Survival mode functions, but it’s not a huge deal.
Portable Junk Recycler by Kentington
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/14110
F4SE not required, AFAIK. Works as described by author.
Pros: Simple, no requirements. Seems to do what it says on the tin.
Cons: Hasn’t been supported in 6 years, and there are reports of bugs by other users (which I cannot personally attest to as I only tested it in a settlement briefly. I used this years ago in tandem with another mod, I vaguely remember it working fine.)
Portable Junk Recycler Mk 2 by rux616
https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/54138
F4SE and MCM required. Works as described by author (mostly) and still supported.
Pros: Insanely customizable. Can work identically to the original mod it was built to replace, but many additional options as well to cater to various playstyles. Various versions can be selected on install, and then virtually all options can be changed from MCM in game. Highlights for me include the option to turn off all the notifications of components added by scrapping, the ability to make it limited use or not, and 2 different crafting recipes which require simple or alternatively some very rare components to make it a real reward. Actively supported by the author who responds to almost every post on the mod page, and is working to squash bugs and polish this bad boy to perfection.
Cons: Author does say in description that this may cause problems by uninstalling since it adds some scripts to items. Uninstalling is generally not recommended for most mods though. Is a much beefier file than the original, but we’re still only talking 8 MBs in all. Requires Script Extender and MCM, but this isn’t really a downside as they (IMO) should be included in your mod list by default. Some players may be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of options but the complicated stuff can be switched off at a higher level in the menu easily. Multipliers could be a little game-breaking but are again optional, and higher loot appeals to some people. I’m nitpicking and reaching just to be as impartial as possible; these are all minor/non-issues at best.
My thoughts:
While the Scrapping Machine has its upside and I prefer it visually, to me the clear winner for the Settlement Object versions is Scrap-O-Tron 2000. Both will receive an endorsement from me, but I’m officially recommending Scrap-O-Tron, with the caveat to avoid using its portable function entirely.
Of the Portable versions, the Mk2 is the way to go. It is supported, updated, and far less buggy. It’s functionality blows the original out of the water. Therefore it is receiving my endorsement and my official recommendation.
In my upcoming playthough, I will personally be using Scrap-O-Tron and Portable Junk Recycler Mk 2 in tandem. I plan to craft the Portable with the simple recipe as a limited use item, then craft the rare-ingredient option as infinite use down the line.
By contrast this one is ultra simple, lightweight & realistic, and can be added/removed at will. And there's no need to add a settlement junk mod. Just because a mod is getting old doesn't automatically mean it's bad! - it can just as often mean it's a total success and doesn't need any more work! And "bugs" are due to user error. One could argue about possibly needing a UFO4P patch in the future but I never noticed problem with UFO4P 2.1.3 installed (haven't tried 2.1.4 yet but can't imagine anything would break).
8/10, would download again.
When you load things into the recycler and let it run, it takes time, like a couple of seconds per item. Do it someplace/time safe when you can just chillax and not do anything else. You can idly glance around but wait for the scrap processing to complete before running off or fighting or even interacting with pretty much anything. Think of the level of activity when you are crafting/recycling at a workbench - you are doing nothing else and this needs to be treated like that and not done on the fly, not loaded up and left to churn away while you do other things.
You get on-screen notifications of the processed materials added, every couple of seconds for each item as it is processed, so you'll know when it's done and what's been added. 2 secs per item might not sound much and isn't, but throw in 45+ items and that's gonna be pushing nearly 2 minutes and will seem like a long time in-game.
Ok, but how do you actually apply it, precisely? - because the description is light on detail. Well, I crafted it at the chem station and it was in my aid list (so you could favourite it if you wish). Click on it and it opens an on-screen "container" window, (I didn't see an actual container in front of me, just a pair of inventory windows as if I were transferring things from my inventory to a container). Transfer items one-by-one (there's no "transfer all junk" option, but you can "take all" back if you decide to quit without processing), then close by hitting tab (at least on my PC), and the inventory windows close and it'll start churning away.
Anyways, thanks for a nice little mod. Endorsed.