Best metal for making a [mostly-for-digging] pick?
A. Copper
B. Bronze
C. Iron
From what I've read, it seems Copper for cheap digging tool, and iron for combat option, but, well... see below.
Situation:First year fort, 10 dwarves, I only have the weapons-grade-ores I brought with me upon embark right now, so limited options.
I do not yet know what, if any, weapon/armor-grade metal(s) I have [on 3x3 site with shallow metal, deep metal and flux;
so far just nickel and gold, but I haven't explored a whole lot yet.
First dwarven caravan is about to arrive and I'm finishing my depo now, then working on my bedroom level.
Have 2 smelters, 1 metalsmithy, carpentry shop, mason shop, crafting shop, kitchen, farmer's shop, kiln, and some storage rooms.
It will be mostly used for digging I guess.I have ~6 diggers[, and one pick lover,] with 4 picks; 2 copper, 1 bronze, 1 iron pick currently.
Metal Bars left:Iron 5/8 (made a few weapons, including one iron pick for my one pick-loving miner to fight with)
Bronze ~13/16 (thinking of making a set of helm, gauntlets & boots to equip at least one dwarf right away; seems good?)
Copper ~10/12 (making copper xbow & pick now, then maybe some bolts)
Silver 4-10/5-16 (1 silver war hammer from 1 galena smelt with 3 tetrahedrite & 1 more galena still unsmelted)