This is perhaps an ignorant question, but I've noticed that sometimes when I craft an item that I wouldn't expect to have random magical properties (e.g. clockwork chainsaw) it will have random stat bonuses (e.g. +sneakiness). This is true even when the level of the item is equal to my crafting skill. Does one get some % of stat bonuses as crafting level increases (giving a reason to max a craft level even if you're making items below max craft level). Forgive the question if obvious, I only just started crafting now that the pocket dimension decreases the logistics of item storage.
As I understand it, the clockwork sword and axes have artifact levels (4 for the sword and regular axe, 6 for the upgraded axe), which gives it random bonuses when it's created. Check out the Dredmorpedia to see what has artifact levels (if you want to get spoilery): http://j-factor.com/dredmorpedia/#981
