diff --git a/code/modules/smithing/machinery/power_hammer.dm b/code/modules/smithing/machinery/power_hammer.dm
index 1fc5ba5c847..7bc9e78e5f8 100644
--- a/code/modules/smithing/machinery/power_hammer.dm
+++ b/code/modules/smithing/machinery/power_hammer.dm
@@ -47,6 +47,9 @@
 	operation_time = max(ROUND_UP(initial(operation_time) * (1.3 - operation_mult)), 2)
 
 /obj/machinery/smithing/power_hammer/operate(loops, mob/living/user)
+	if(!working_component)
+		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>There is no component in the machine.</span>")
+		return
 	if(!working_component.heat)
 		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>[working_component] is too cold to properly shape.</span>")
 		return