Sent you a link to the file. The version can be for 1.16.1; the smelting time doesn't matter, but I guess the same as iron ore.
As far as the method, you could go for whatever seems easiest for you, I wanted to make a request and not a burden. Ideally the smelting option sounds closest to the ideal, but no need to stress if another one is more feasible.
To each his own; we all enjoy different aspects of the game and for different reasons. I personally like the intrinsic feel of a humble beginning, where climbing each next step of progression is a real triumph. It makes survival feel higher-risk, and as such makes building and thriving in a survival world feel like an accomplishment.