It seems to me that Clockwork Phase is not properly functioning. The main component to the mod is the Mainspring, which functions as the sort of "power" or "energy" for the tools and armors of the mod. To increase this you are supposed to be able to surround a main spring (in a 3x3 crafting grid) with 8 of a single ingot type. I've tried Iron, Gold, Lead, Copper, etc. None of them allow you to increase the tension (energy/power capacity) of the Mainspring.
I would post this on the bug forum, but before doing that, I'd like to know if I'm the only one who is having this issue. Can anyone else confirm or deny having such an issue, or if there's a workaround to fix this problem?