Hi, I just started playing the game (F2P) and was wondering what level I should begin crafting items in the forge. I don't want to waste a lot of mats if I am going to out level the gear before I have a chance to put it to use.

if you know what to do in battle you dont need any eq before 10-12 level actually. I'd reccommend starting crafting then, or since 14 lv as some of the parts of eq on 14 lv are the best for a 20 lv character as the next level you can get this part is higher than 20, which is not available on EU yet.

Unless you are a zerk. Then you need a weapon minimum 4 lv asap.