i was working on guild contract for wood, and since i had goldsmithing at 3 and could get skill for makign it, i figured id make a few even though its normally an expensive and crappy synth due to the sheets (NOT sold in guilds, atleast atm). SO, i actually was making the ingot then making that into sheet (11 cap so with support), THEN made a shield. all 3 different synths gave skill and i turned it in for wood guild points! was a pretty cool sequence of crafting id like to find more often. Doubt ill ever make this recipe again now that im gold4...
I have failed about 5 times trying to make this and im lvl 4 goldsmith, 5 woodworking with help from goldsmith guild and nothing. Guide book shows it as a recruit skill. May be worth looking into.