0 to GM Tinker Guide

Time to GM: 7 to 12 hours.
Resources: 20-30K ingots

Skill guide:
0-25 Train from NPC Tinkering OR 0-25 Clock parts
25-45 Gears (avg 500)
45.1-95 Lockpicks (avg 5K)
95.1-100 Heating Stands

Save gears for enhancing Juka bows and creating golems. Save lockpicks for resale. Throw out heating stands.

NOTE: After GM, you will want to obtain a talisman with at LEAST 5% exceptional chance (max talisman exceptional bonus is 30%). Most tools have a maximum of 95% exceptional rate, shovels and pickaxes are 75%.

NOTE: At 30, 50, and 75 Tinker, it is a good idea to make boxes. These can be sold in sets for GM'ing lockpicking (along with the 5k lockpicks you will be making.) Use wooden engraving tools to note the tinker skill level on each box.

To be honest, I tried this, and starting with lockpicks at 45 is a tad bit early - I suggest Clock parts until you are at least at 55... Maybe even 60, then start working on Lockpicks.