Question about Fabtech this year

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Is Fabtech mostly for larger production shops? Or would a serious hobbyist find enough there to make it worth while? I've been thinking about going this year but won't if it's all high tech/big time equipment and seminars.
Reply:I have been several times in three different locations (Chicago, Vegas, Atlanta). I just registered for this year in Atlanta. I am just a hobbyist at home and do some welding at work. My work pays for me to attend so it is a no brainer for me. I talk my way into getting plenty of free swag over three days so I am happy. This year may be different after the shut down of a couple years so we will see how it turns out. My experience is there is a majority of items for large fab shops and manufacturers.  Small shops can still find plenty of interesting items. The typical layout seems, big guys in the center.  Smaller suppliers in the middle. Chinese copiers and small US companies in the outer ring. Fireball Tool, Jody, Welder Barbie, YouTube welders etc are usually there. Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:I have never been but always wanted to.  Being on the west coast, Vegas would be the obvious choice in conjunction with cheap airfare. 2020 was the year I planned for, then Covid hit.

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Reply:I've been to the one in Atlanta. I had a good time but it's like going to a strip club. ***** everywhere but you can't afford any of it. lol

I'm thinking about doing Atlanta again this year but at my age I'm more about keeping it simple than expanding.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunModified Lincoln 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc GougingEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand Type 30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:

Originally Posted by Freebirdwelds

I'm thinking about doing Atlanta again this year but at my age I'm more about keeping it simple than expanding.
Reply:I just attended chitcago last year. I was extremely disappointed. It was geared towards heavy industrial manufacturing including a ton of robotics. I was extremely pissed that Lincoln, Miller, and ESAB were not there. Especially because I was purchasing a new engine drive. The buddy that attended with me also attended the SEMA show. He said even though it's automotive based, it had a ton of equipment for use by small fab shops, and was exactly what we were looking to see. I don't think I would ever attend Fabtech again."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!

" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

are you referring to the strip club or fab tech ?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Good info stick-man. Kind of what I thought. Except that when you look at the 2022 floor plan there are a ton of smaller booths like 10x10's and 10x20's. Lincoln, Miller and Esab are there this year. Covid probably screwed up last year's show.
Reply:Like most of you I'm only interested in gear designed  for the hobbyist and "little guy". The advantage of attending a fab tech event  in Vegas or a Sema is the fact that no matter what.....well , you're in Vegas!Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by Lis2323; 4 Days Ago at 12:27 PM.:
Reply:I attended my one and only time in Atlanta 2018, that year Jody's friend JD heald a get together the day before at his shop,it was fun and got to meet a few of the big wigs. FabTech itself was a good experience, plenty of free swag including useful itemssuch as abrasives. I personally would recommend at least one visit if it fits into your schedule.

RichardWest coast of Florida
Reply:When is it?
Reply:Nov 8 - 10 Chicago
Reply:JD1,  I thought Fabtech will be in Atlanta this year?  Nov. 8 - 10.Am I on the wrong year?  Change of Venue?
Reply:So sorry, yes it is Atlanta. Google had it in Chicago for 2022 but looking further they had it wrong. Odd years are Chicago. 2022 is Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. www.fabtechexpo.com
Reply:Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:

Originally Posted by Stick-man

I just attended chitcago last year. I was extremely disappointed. It was geared towards heavy industrial manufacturing including a ton of robotics. I was extremely pissed that Lincoln, Miller, and ESAB were not there. Especially because I was purchasing a new engine drive. The buddy that attended with me also attended the SEMA show. He said even though it's automotive based, it had a ton of equipment for use by small fab shops, and was exactly what we were looking to see. I don't think I would ever attend Fabtech again.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Lis2323

Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by Stick-man

I just attended chitcago last year. I was extremely disappointed. It was geared towards heavy industrial manufacturing including a ton of robotics. I was extremely pissed that Lincoln, Miller, and ESAB were not there. Especially because I was purchasing a new engine drive. The buddy that attended with me also attended the SEMA show. He said even though it's automotive based, it had a ton of equipment for use by small fab shops, and was exactly what we were looking to see. I don't think I would ever attend Fabtech again.
Reply:

Originally Posted by shovelon

The Vegas FabTech was always 2/3rds small manufacturers in pre-covid years. I always came home with a couple hundred dollars of promotional items.