Minecraft Forums

This is a simple yet effective way I've come up with to make a giant shaft or a quarry like hole to bedrock. 
I'm sure I'm not the first to do this and I don't know how useful it will be. I thought I'd post it regardless. 
Basically I wanted a large circular shaft to bedrock, so I came up with this. 
It is a circle 31 blocks in diameter from sea level to bedrock. 
It was really simple, first you dig the perimeter down to bedrock. (or you can stop at any point and make a floor)
Then fill each shaft with either obsidian or bedrock. (line the floor now if you stop before bedrock)
Last but not least, blow the center away. 
See, simple yet effective. 
So simple I didn't want to post it. 
Much faster (and more fun!) then hand digging and you avoid destroying to much. 
I hope this helps  someone save some time. 

I wish I took more pictures especially the TNT. 
The way I did it, I lined the rim with redstone and built a smaller circle in the center lined with redstone. I just flew around spamming the TNT while checking occasionally. I cleaned up the spots I missed  then flattened the bedrock. 
You can do it however you want though. 

This is a 'secret' project I've  started. My friends on xbl don't even know what it is, lol. I'll probably post the finished product here though. 

Happy building!

I should try this. I spent a few hours doing the same thing, but by hand! Thanks for the help!