So i've made it as far as lvl 17 but i'm still walking around in gear that's lvl 4 to 12. I've been really unlucky with gear drops i guess --I've picked up crafting a while back hoping to use up some of those ingredients ive been saving up since the beginning of the game, but spending 30mins every single time i want to craft something (emptying homebox, transferring it all back etc) is getting annoying. So i was planning on using it all and sell everything besides some ruby's. My question;

How do i make rare/legendary gear? How do i make plate bracers/helmets. Can i add resistances/stats to plate boots/helmet/bracers. So far i've managed to add ruby's/essences to plate armor with some +2 strength/dex but this doesn't cut it vs stuff that drops/u can buy.

Am i suppose to use crafting purely to improve what i find/buy while being able to use 'common'(white) weapons/armor/boots each time i level up or is there more too it? I've checked the CR/BS topic but it 'seems' limited.

there are a few threads in here which outline most or all known crafting recipes. if not most, then a gigantic amount.

it seems like crafting is exactly what is needed for end game or reasonably leveled stuff. or you can farm bosses for legendaries too

You should be scouting particular vendors by your level.
Items of level 16+ i believe start having +2 of certain stats. It's at this point I start replacing some of the better legendaries I found earlier in the game.

Crafting I've found is best for weapon creation and armor/weapon enhancement.
The biggest benefit being adding resistances.

AFAIK you cannot craft legendary items. Though crafting skill books and enhancing your equipment certainly makes it worth investing in a crafter/blacksmith.