How To Craft HQ Items?

[SpotOn]

Cross Class skills are your best friend IMHO

Alchemy at level 15 gives the skill "Tricks of the Trade" ... I use this skill whenever a "Good" rating is on my items and gain back 20CP for free
Rumination from a level 15 Carpenter is awesome for that last ditch attempt at completing synthesis if things have gone pear shaped, it grants a CP bonus based on your Inner Quiet stacks.

It's all about Inner Quiet stacks

My rotation currently on my 28 Leather for 40 Dura is;
Inner Quiet
Steady Hand
Great Strides
Standard Touch
Great Strides
Standard Touch
Great Strides
Standard Touch
If CP is there i will mend otherwise I Rapid Synthesis (if 2 Basics are required) - Basic Synthesis if Steady hands is up (its 100% if it is) I have never used Careful Synthesis

Keeping my steady hands up, and Tricks of the Trade on every "Good" quality that pops I can slip in a Waste Not usually but prefer to Mend as you can waste the Waste Not if you want to Trick of the Trade during its 4 moves. Of course hit every Excellent with a touch, HQ% after this typically sits at 98-100%

On a 40 dura item I don't often not see it below 85% with NQ mats
On a 70 dura item (which I don't Mend) it will ding it in 1 go at 80ish percent with no Tricks of the Trade on a level 30 item.

This guide, posted in an earlier thread is awesome btw http://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/commen..._let_crafters/

[Anders]

Thank you, all, for the helpful information. I will soon become a better crafter because of your kindness.