Pointers really aren't going to help with this. All of the critical work is simply artwork, and re-cutting of the frames, which really has nothing to do with skin studio.
So , what I am saying is, you really need no help with that portion, maybe with where to find things in sks and such after the fact.
The Metal Tech skin is not going to be easy for you to start out with.The artist, incorporated shadows with the frames and the frames tie to the top areas of the skin, making any changes very difficult, even for an experienced skinner.
My advice, start a new skin,reworking Metal Tech would mess the skin up. imo!
Help is always here in the forums, just ask, also some of us will help via pm" at times.
As far as frames, if you want to try still, you are welcome to pick my brain, here or pm.
There are two sets of frames in a skin, per pixel and uis frames, I recommend doing both, but each are cut differently.
I could make some templates or images for you and send to you, when and if you like, to help you .
I will keep a look out for forum posts and do what I can. Good Luck and sounds as if" welcome to skinning!"DT1 
