Hi all,

I've recently discovered the joys of turning in HQ materials for levequests, so I've been trying to make as many HQ items as possible. However, it's become a terrible grind; it took me 50 attempts and 2 days to make 3 HQ ash lumber. I've got like 350 shortbows and 200 round shields.

This is the sequence I use (for lv. 16 Carpenter):

Basic Synthesis (until I'm one step from completion)
Basic Touch (until I have 10 durability left)
Maker's Mend
Basic Touch (until I have only one turn left)
Basic Synthesis (to completion).

On average, that gets me to 5-10% quality. I've got to 95% once - and it failed. I've tried eating food (stone soup for extra CP), watching for the quality changes, and keeping up with the gear curve. I know starting with HQ mats is a good way forward, but I can't make/afford/farm them yet.

I have Rumination and Steady Hand, but I can't see the point of them so far - and I sacrifice the CP for Maker's Mend if I use them. The upgraded Touch skill (at level 18) only adds 10% efficiency, so I can't see it making a huge difference.

Any ideas? Is my level just too low?

Thanks!