Thank you for all the replies in this thread. Super helpful stuff. Yeah I've resolved to upgrading the Level 60 tools at around level 65 and then 68. But I am having lots of trouble HQ'ing Level 68 stuff for the Levequests. However, I didn't meld the tools (I've melded my Ironworks gear) and I was using shitty food. I'll give Blood Bouillabaisse a shot. I might attempt Kaurhz's suggestion to do Collectables cause right now Leves are a PITA. They were great for leveling my gatherer's though.

I don't have my stats right now since I am work. But I know I got it high enough to craft the tripled-star stuff from Master Craft IV books (glam priorities!).