Can I do some non ore items? (Not armor, pickaxes, axes, shovels, hoes, or swords)
Of course.
Generally, what I want to do is advance in technology level as you raise in tiers.
Wooden tools will be extremely makeshift
Stone tools will be a bit better
Iron tools look modern
Diamond tools = maybe steampunk or something badass
Gold will PROBABLY be gags, so expect the Gold Hoe to be a hooker.
If you want to do more complicated things (like boats or armor), that's also fine.