Help with Crafting

[Dathus]

So, while leveling my COR, I've decided I want to level up Alchemy and Smithing so I can craft my own bullets, since I don't have anyone on my friends list or in my Linkshell who has both up to an appropriate level. I only want to level the crafts so I can get as many HQs as possible on all ranges of bullets. From Bullets, to Irons, to Steels. What would be the best levels to take both Alchemy AND smithing to maximize HQs for materials spent/used?

[Thistle]

My question would be: Is leveling the crafts to the point of you being able to HQ them the best way to save money? Would you do better leveling X craft further than you would smithing and alchemy combined? If you can make more profit as X, then you could buy your bullets and still be ahead.

Or you could forget about HQing and just level both smithing and alchemy up to 60 (or however high it takes to make steel -- I have 60 in both and can make them just fine), then level some other craft to 100.

[Dathus]

Well, according to the caps(49 for Alchemy and 30 for Smithing), @61 Smithing and 79 Alchemy I'd be at Tier2 cap for a 25% HQ rate, which will be nice as I intend on making COR my merit job, and my main in EG situations wherever possible. However, both @60 would have me at Tier0 for both, as tier1s are 31. I can make'em fine, yes, but I'm looking for making the most bang for my buck, so to speak. And if I was to level another craft, I'd do Leathercraft for my LS, and that'd be about it.

[Naash]

Steel bullet Alchemy(48) Smithing(30)
Iron bullet Alchemy(45) Smithing(22)
Bullet Alchemy(41) Goldsmithing(18)

The highest Smith level being Iron Bullets' 31, why not get the accessory for Smithing? It takes a while to get the guild points, but after that, it's the permanent +1 that will make you 61 and cross the tier.

You could also get the free guild support when you craft, it's also +1.

Usually it's a better benefit to get to 100 in one craft rather than spreading out points over 60 on multiple crafts, so I'd recommend aiming to get Alchemy as your main craft and get the Smithing accessory, but that's your choice.

To get the highest tiers on those 3, you'll need Alchemy 79 (or 80), Smithing 61, Goldsmithing 49.

[Dathus]

I was thinking that actually, but wasn't sure. I hadn't really decided on which craft I wanted to take to 100, or if I really wanted to. I might do Alchemy just because, and get the smithing gloves to make it easier.