When is crafting new equipment first possible?
Solution 1:
Crafting in PoE is just using the various currencies, unlocked options in the crafting bench, lab enchants etc. to create a custom made piece of gear.
The earliest you can craft is - right at the start of the game! If you get an orb of Transmutation or Alchemy, apply that to a white base and you will get a magic or rare item back. This is basic currency crafting, and can even be done in Twilight Strand before you enter the Act 1 town.