Best machine order in My Time at Sandrock
If you want smoother progression, build around bottlenecks instead of building one of everything. Early game, that bottleneck is usually material flow: scrap into basic resources, then basic resources into parts. Start with a Recycler (it turns scrap into usable materials), add a second Recycler early, then prioritize a Furnace (for bars, glass, and bricks) and eventually a second Furnace. After that, add one Grinder and one Processor so core refined parts like pipes, sticks, boards, and plates stay in rotation for builds and commissions.
As soon as you can, give Data Discs to Qi at the Research Center. Data Discs are research currency commonly found while digging in Abandoned Ruins, and they unlock upgraded machine diagrams. Civil-tier machines (Civil Recycler, Civil Furnace, Civil Grinder, Civil Processor) are your next step; prioritize the upgrade that fixes your current shortage first. Keep older machines running while new ones are being crafted so your workshop never sits idle.
Crafting order that keeps quests and commissions on schedule
Use a simple daily queue: pick up commissions in the morning, then immediately queue bars, boards, and pipes before heading out. Try to keep at least one machine slot always producing common parts so surprise requests do not stall you. At night, refill fuel and water, then queue longer crafts before sleep. If you are choosing between early decoration and another core machine, pick the machine; extra throughput usually pays off faster in early progression.
Practical early-mid target setup: 2 Recyclers, 2 Furnaces, 1-2 Grinders, and 1-2 Processors, then phase into Civil versions as diagrams unlock. It is a beginner-friendly baseline that usually keeps regular commissions and main-story construction moving without constant material shortages.