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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition/Smithing progression
Improve gear at a grindstone or workbench — guide illustration
Smithing progression

Improve gear at a grindstone or workbench

Tempering raises the performance of equipment you already use and advances Smithing as part of a practical crafting loop.

PC / Global, Special Edition with Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn
WHERE & HOW TO FARM

Where to farm

Grindstones and workbenches near forges and blacksmiths.

Weapons are improved at a grindstone and armor at a workbench. You need the appropriate material and may need the relevant Smithing perk for stronger material tiers. Improving gear makes a planned set more effective while turning ingots or leather into a direct character upgrade.

See farming steps ↓
GET STARTED

How to farm

Before you go

  • Carry a weapon or armor piece you intend to keep.
  • Have the matching improvement material.
  • Have the Smithing perk required for the equipment material, if applicable.
  1. Review the item’s improvement requirements before traveling to a station.
  2. Take the matching ingot or leather material from storage and bring the equipment you want to improve.
  3. Use a grindstone for a weapon or a workbench for armor.
  4. Select the item and confirm the improvement if the station lists it as available.
  5. Check the item’s resulting quality and compare it with your previous version.
  6. Repeat for the rest of your active gear only if the material cost supports the upgrade.

Farming tips

  • Improve equipment you will actually use; improving a temporary item can consume materials needed for a lasting upgrade.
  • Smithing training can also come from crafting, trainers and skill books, so tempering is one part of progression.

Repeat, collect and use

Repeat whenever you obtain suitable materials or replace gear. Each improvement consumes resources; this is not a renewable production source by itself.

Common mistakes

  • Do not bring a weapon to a workbench or armor to a grindstone; use the station for the item type.
  • Do not expect an improvement if you lack the required material or perk; check the interface for the missing requirement.
  • Do not spend rare ingots on low-priority gear before checking the upgrade needs of your main equipment.

When to stop or switch

Stop when your current equipment reaches the available improvement level or when the next upgrade would use materials needed for a more important item.

Sources & fact checks
cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com ↗
REWARD DETAILS & CONDITIONS

Sources & rewards

Farming route

Improve gear at a grindstone or workbench

Grindstones and workbenches near forges and blacksmiths.

  • Carry a weapon or armor piece you intend to keep.
  • Have the matching improvement material.
  • Have the Smithing perk required for the equipment material, if applicable.
Rate not listed

Related guides

More guides for gathering materials and making progress.

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