I have a "best practices" question about a model I'm working on, and I can get a little obsessive about the optimal workflow. I have a hard surface mech model, in poly block out currently, but it will be sub-d. I've reached the point where I want to start adding support loops and beveling everything to prepare a high poly…
I read your question but here's where i dont get it: "I'd like to know the best methods for preparing a final usable mesh." By final usable mesh are you talking about the low resolution or are you implying to refine everything for the final highpoly ?
I usually make a copy of my lowrez and zip it. http://www.exoshift.org/concepts/drone_wip03_front_wire.jpg With something like that,its pretty defined for a low. Chamfer edges to have a nice flow and basic finish and just forget about the lowpoly for now, because the baking will 98% fit your insets and bevels. You can also…