I just used some of my first iron and seared bricks to upgrade my tool station and made a stone/wood Hammer, Lumber Axe, Excavator and Scythe. Needless to say early game just became a lot easier.
The hammer just makes huge tunnels insanely fast, even if it's only made of wood and stone. I can only imagine how insane better materials will be on a hammer, though stone does have the advantage it will leave all the goodies in tact so you can Fortune/Silk Touch them. Though a good hammer with Silk Touch... I don't mind Fortuning everything that needs Fortuning after a mining trip.
The hammer just makes huge tunnels insanely fast, even if it's only made of wood and stone. I can only imagine how insane better materials will be on a hammer, though stone does have the advantage it will leave all the goodies in tact so you can Fortune/Silk Touch them. Though a good hammer with Silk Touch... I don't mind Fortuning everything that needs Fortuning after a mining trip.