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Question about Fabtech this year
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.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
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Millermatic 252 MIG
Miller Dynasty 200DX TIG
Altas 12x36 Metal Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machine
Arclight Dynamics 4x8 plasma table
www.psacustomcreations.com
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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
330MPX
Lincoln Power Mig 256
Lincoln LN-25X Wire Feeder
Lincoln AC/DC 225
¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A/OFG-A
Air Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-A
Lincoln Tomahawk 1000
Ingersoll Rand T-30-14hp-25cfm
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
are you referring to the strip club or fab tech ?
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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"
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Originally Posted by
Lis2323
are you referring to the strip club or fab tech ?
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That could count as either one. lol
Lincoln
330MPX
Lincoln Power Mig 256
Lincoln LN-25X Wire Feeder
Lincoln AC/DC 225
¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A/OFG-A
Air Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-A
Lincoln Tomahawk 1000
Ingersoll Rand T-30-14hp-25cfm
Instagram:
#Freebird Welds
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
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Question about Fabtech this year
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!
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Last edited by Lis2323; 05-14-2022 at 12:27 PM.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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 items
such as abrasives. I personally would recommend at least one visit if it fits into your schedule.
Richard
West coast of Florida
Website
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
JD1, I thought Fabtech will be in Atlanta this year? Nov. 8 - 10.
Am I on the wrong year? Change of Venue?
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
I would not let last year's bad experience influence your view. From what I hear, and what I see of the vendor list, last year's show was pretty pathetic (though, not surprisingly - it's incredibly expensive to be an exhibitor, so completely understandable why companies would be hesitant in '21). Typically, there's still plenty of small fab shop oriented equipment there.
I've been 3 times in Atlanta, and once in Chicago (not last year). Very possibly will go to the Atlanta one again this year.
Who is John Galt?
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Originally Posted by
Lis2323
Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas.
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Wife and I love the Vegas FabTech. We take the motorhome to the Sam's Town RV resort. In between FabTech I take the wife to a couple shows, hit the casinos, and frequent the casino buffets and restaurants.
I am definitely putting that on the calendar and would love to meet up with some WW members.
Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"
MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
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.
Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"
MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
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.
Wow! I got a pair of Tillman 750's, a couple abrasives, a few markers, and my favorite......... a Cor-met 3/4" stick electrode for a wall hanger!!! Made it all worth it!
Like I said, I won't go back as far as I can tell. I am more interested in used equipment because I am side work only. The few things I purchase new I can research from my computer. (Track torch, plasma table, etc.)
"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"
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
I just registered but when I looked carefully at the layout and who was there, I didn't recognize most and a lot of spaces are unfilled. I'll check again in September but so far I'm not inspired. Not worth it at this point.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Many of those conventions tend to be for industry pro's only, i'd asked about some trade shows was flatly told 'unless you're a big deal you won't get in'.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
For anyone in Ontario mid June….
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
I am going to FabTech in Atlanta this year. Never been to one before. I can stay with family in the area. Hope it has good stuff for the hobbyist level attendee.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as that world trade center is huge. You will walk at least 5 miles to see most of it. I went about 10 years ago and you get to meet and talk to reps from major companies and they will talk to you even if you are a home shop DIY type customer. A lot of free stuff and a lot of stuff you won't find just looking at the internet. Lot of good ideas on how to build stuff and a lot of hardware to finish your project off.
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Re: Question about Fabtech this year
Check the floor plan a head of time, I think Atlanta is two floors. Then determine what is a must see, and hit those first. I found the first day is the most rewarding for free goodies.
The last day is best if you plan on purchasing something. When I was there for last day, the larger plasma table setups were giving away the stuff they cut for free. Sadly airlines frown on bringing that on board. They had full size figures cutouts, like a guy leaning on post, guy holding up rifle, and assorted ones. It was amazing how fast and clean they cut these out.
Checkout the Big plasma cutting tables. I saw one setup cutting 1'' plate. It was unbelievable how fast and clean to cut out the pieces.
I think you'll find it interesting.