Of course, you need your tools as a method to enchant armor and cast spells. Most towns have a forge as well, so you can make a career out of your proficiency. If your DM likes breaking armor or has options to augment or create armor, then you’ll get some mileage. But it’ll be well worth it you can instead invest entirely into Intelligence and Constitution.
You’ll have to deal with below-average AC until now, if you choose to take the Heavy Armor path.
You no longer need any Dexterity bonus to maximize your AC. If you already have this tool proficiency, you gain proficiency with one other type of artisan’s tools of your choice. You also gain proficiency with smith’s tools. The Armorer has a little additional proficiency bonus compared to the standard Artificer. They have some additional utility as a self-buffer, and their spells focus a little more on that middle ground damage dealing and utility. The Armorer can either be a melee defender, or a ranged damage dealer. The Armorer fills two different roles, depending on your armor augmentation.
