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I usually do every 5, on the 5. For example, x=100, x=105, x=110. That's because I run my branches out about 150 to 200 blocks, turn 5 blocks, and mine back. That means I always hit some cave or something and it's easier to figure out where to make the return branch.
The hardest thing about this is you have to get over the fact that you WILL miss some diamonds. The way to get over this is to remember that within 2000 blocks of you, there are more diamonds than you can reasonably use. It doesn't matter if you miss some of them. You want to find more of the large clusters per unit time spent mining and spreading your branches out will let you do that.
Other little tips:
I also usually mine at y=12 so I'm above most of the lava.
Put a torch every 10 tiles. You can mine 5 ahead of you, so the rhythm is mine 5, walk to wall, mine 5, set torch. Repeat. This will prevent mobs from spawning.
If you are using the mine out, turn, mine back method, put torches on the walls to indicate the direction you need to turn. I'm ADD and always forget.
when you are done with a branch, dig out the floor two deep or put in a fence. This will prevent mobs from sneaking up on you.
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[–] Entomo ago (edited ago)
To be maximally time efficient, branch mine and put a branch every 6 to 7 blocks. Your main tunnel will look something like: http://www.minecraft101.net/reference/images/branch-mine-hallway.jpg
I usually do every 5, on the 5. For example, x=100, x=105, x=110. That's because I run my branches out about 150 to 200 blocks, turn 5 blocks, and mine back. That means I always hit some cave or something and it's easier to figure out where to make the return branch.
The hardest thing about this is you have to get over the fact that you WILL miss some diamonds. The way to get over this is to remember that within 2000 blocks of you, there are more diamonds than you can reasonably use. It doesn't matter if you miss some of them. You want to find more of the large clusters per unit time spent mining and spreading your branches out will let you do that.
Other little tips: