It seems to me that a decent Item Crafter doesn't need evocation to be a pretty badass spellslinger.
Say we have a guy with no other powers but Ritualist (Crafter) and Refinementx2.
Lore: Superb
Discipline: Great
Conviction: Great
6 Focus Item Slots (2 from Ritual, 4 from Refinement)
=
Focus Item (4 slots) Belt of enchanting- +2 to crafting power and frequency
Enchanted item 1 -Staff of Power- Weapon:7 Ranged Force Attack, aim with Discipline. No Backlash or fallout - 3 uses/session for free, then 1 mental stress per use.
Enchanted item 2 -Robe of Armor- Block 7 or Armor:3, as a free reaction - 3 uses/session for free, then 1 mental stress per use.
4 Potion slots, each potion is effect worth 7 shifts - 3 uses per session per potion. Get to Declare new potions every session, and can declare in scene with a fate point or lore roll
This isn't a bad suite of combat powers, and only for 3 refresh.
4 Potion slots means 4 vancian-style choose per session spells, able to cast each 3x per session. The potions can even be designed on the fly maneuvers, or even <=7 shift thaumaturgy effects, also this can be improved to 9 shifts by invoking or taking a compel debt.
The two enchanted items, OTOH, function as evocation rotes with 3 free castings per session. The block is even reflexive, ala Harry's duster.
This comes down to a caster that is capable of fast, cheap rituals, and is a match for a starting wizard as an evocator.
The rest of the refresh can be spent on stunts, or used for FATE Points to invoke more powerful Potions.