diff --git a/oregen-manager.lua b/oregen-manager.lua
index 7006526..cb9e01d 100644
--- a/oregen-manager.lua
+++ b/oregen-manager.lua
@@ -55,6 +55,8 @@ local LIMIT_EXCEPTIONS = {
 }
 
 -- if these exist, they will be used up
+-- "limit" is the limit on the amt sent at a time
+-- "keep" is the amount not to use up
 local PRODUCTS = {
     {"create:crimsite", CRUSHER_ADDR},
     {"create:crushed_raw_iron", MELTER_ADDR},
@@ -70,9 +72,9 @@ local PRODUCTS = {
     {"minecraft:flint", CRUSHER_ADDR},
     {"minecraft:nether_bricks", CRUSHER_ADDR},
     {"minecraft:basalt", CRUSHER_ADDR},
-    {"create:crushed_raw_silver", WASHER_ADDR, 16},
+    {"create:crushed_raw_silver", WASHER_ADDR, limit = 16},
     {"minecraft:calcite", CRUSHER_ADDR},
-    {"create:crushed_raw_nickel", WASHER_ADDR, 32},
+    {"create:crushed_raw_nickel", WASHER_ADDR, limit = 32},
     {"tfmg:bauxite", CRUSHER_ADDR},
 }
 
@@ -219,9 +221,11 @@ function cycleItems (ticker, items)
         return makeRequest(item, amt - limit, addr, limit_override)
     end
     for _, pair in pairs(PRODUCTS) do
-        local name, addr, limit = pair[1], pair[2], pair[3]
+        local name, addr, limit, keep = pair[1], pair[2], pair.limit, pair.keep
         if items[name] ~= nil then
             local amt = items[name]
+            if keep ~= nil then amt = amt - keep end
+            if amt < 0 then amt = 0 end
             makeRequest(name, amt, addr, limit)
         end
     end