i've tried programming different patterns to go into the MAC that use the quartz knife in recipes but it simply wont use damaged knives other that the exact damage (full or one point less or whatever)

has anyone figured a work around ?

We just use the ME system or workbenches for that. The workbench is obviously a low tech solution but it works i suppose.

Never had a problem with the ME auto assembler thankfully.
There could be an option that only uses "exact" ID. since the tool ID drops by 1 each use I.E 3001:99 .... 3001:98. The system might only be looking for 3001:99.

must be a bug with my version.

any news on Monster?

little tip for u, using NEI and making the patterns for the assembler, u can press shift + the ? , i found this way it ignores the damage on the quartz knife.

Thanks Piggles but that was actually causing the problem.

i needed to actually make the item first and replace it with one with a "real world" damage value.