I really wanted Ex Nihilo for my 1.11.2 modpack because I like the Sieve. But I couldn't find any releases for 1.11.2 so I made this mod. I took it a step further and made the inputs and outputs configurable. It generates a config file with some defaults but they are examples and you'll want to change them. If you want a more realistic config use this one:

# Configuration file

general {
# These are the items/blocks that can be placed in the sift.
S:inputs <
minecraft:sand:0
minecraft:sand:1
minecraft:soul_sand:0
minecraft:dirt:0
minecraft:dirt:1
minecraft:gravel:0
>
}

outputs {

S:0 <
minecraft:gold_nugget:0
minecraft:clay_ball:0
minecraft:dye:15
minecraft:dye:7
>

S:1 <
minecraft:clay_ball:0
minecraft:iron_nugget:0
minecraft:gunpowder:0
minecraft:sand:0
>

S:2 <
minecraft:glowstone_dust:0
minecraft:blaze_powder:0
minecraft:nether_wart:0
minecraft:quartz:0
>

S:3 <
minecraft:stick:0
minecraft:string:0
minecraft:wheat_seeds:0
minecraft:beetroot_seeds:0
minecraft:clay_ball:0
minecraft:dye:8
>

S:4 <
minecraft:dirt:0
minecraft:stick:0
minecraft:string:0
minecraft:gunpowder:0
minecraft:coal:0
minecraft:flint:0
minecraft:iron_nugget:0
>

S:5 <
minecraft:flint:0
minecraft:iron_nugget:0
minecraft:gunpowder:0
minecraft:coal:0
minecraft:sand:0
>
}

Items are added like this: modid:itemname:damage

So a working example for red sand would be: minecraft:sand:1

The inputs list under "general" is a list of items/blocks that can be placed in the sieve.

The numbers in the outputs refer to the inputs. So 0 would be the outputs of the first item in the inputs list. And 1 would be the outputs of the second item.

If you forget to add an output for an item then the mod will automatically generate one. If you accidentally add too many they will be ignored.

An incorrect name will cause that item to be null (air).

Using the wrong syntax might crash the game.

If you want to change the recipe you can currently do that with CraftTweaker or use the new 1.12 json recipes.

Also try Melt! A configurable Crucible.

Modpacks:

You are free to use this mod in any public or personal modpack.

Future plans:

Some way to fully automate the sifting process

Future ideas:

Sounds

Syntax checking

Changeable mesh/screen

JEI Support

Add option for multiple drops in the config

Sift