A chain, not a single menu
Gather raw materials and inspect their downstream recipes in the technology and crafting views. Higher work requires the correct station and station tier. A material in a distant, inaccessible store is not the same as an ingredient available to the current craft.
Carried and connected
Station menus can draw on carried supplies and eligible connected base storage. Read the source summary at the station. In co-op, a private station must be shared before another traveler can use it; sharing grants access rather than transferring ownership.
Skill and knowledge
Crafting skill influences workmanship on eligible new equipment. A blueprint teaches a specific recipe; it does not supply the ingredients or waive its station requirement. Review projected output before spending rare materials.
Mechanics reference
Original guide prose, checked against these game source catalogs for 1.53.0 · build 70:
inventory/crafting.dartinventory/item_quality.dart
Actual in-game costs, compatibility and confirmations take precedence if your installed version differs.