If you are using the antler pick, build a work bench and put 3 walls and a roof around it on site. Its the only pick you can repair at a work bench instead of a forge. That way you won't have to go back to your base to repair it.

Build a chest or 2 and a camp fire or 2 to keep the greydwarves at bay while you mine. Mine out the node and store every thing in the chests (including the stones, you'll want them later for building when you get a stone cutter) then make how ever many trips you need to get the ore and stones back to your lodge.

When you get a few surtling cores you'll be able to build a portal and carry every thing except the ore back quickly. On the final trip dismantle every thing that you want to keep and continue on exploring for tin or more copper.