Long term smithing

[Bullwinkle]

I've got two toons, one is 43 and the other is 12. Both of them are smiths. Should either or both of them be hoarding dragon scales and dragon bones for weapons and armor later?

[Skyrimnut]

From what I remember, it took like 10 of each to make an entire set of armor and improve it along with a weapon of choice, so I wouldn't stress hoarding them too much. It's not like dragons don't ever show up. :) The drop is between 1-3 of bones and scales, so it'll take about 3-5 dragons to get you enough material to craft dragon items. Lol, I'm level 25 now and I have like 70 dragon bones. It's ridiculous. I have to start selling them again.

[di eshor ribly]

I would only hoard them long enough to make yourself a full set of Dragon Scale/Plate armor, the weapons, a ton of arrows, and possibly sets of dragongear for your followers. Nothing deters thieves like a housecarl walking around in the corpse of a slain fire-breathing sky lizard.

[ballpoint202]

Yes. It takes quite a few to make two full sets of armor and weapons (your follower will want them too). You may even want multiple pieces for your own character depending on whether you use different enchantments at different times.