Question about Fabtech this year

[JD1]

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.

[psacustomcreations]

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 Tapatalk

[Lis2323]

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.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Freebirdwelds]

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.

[Lis2323]

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 ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[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.

[Freebirdwelds]

are you referring to the strip club or fab tech ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That could count as either one. lol

[JD1]

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.

[Lis2323]

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 Tapatalk

[LtBadd]

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.

[Sberry]

When is it?

[JD1]

Nov 8 - 10 Chicago

[ToolFanGeoff]

JD1, I thought Fabtech will be in Atlanta this year? Nov. 8 - 10.
Am I on the wrong year? Change of Venue?

[JD1]

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

[Lis2323]

Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bassboy1]

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.

[shovelon]

Fabtech 2024 is in Las Vegas.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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.

[shovelon]

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.

[Stick-man]

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.)

[JD1]

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.

[XMilitary]

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'.

[Lis2323]

For anyone in Ontario mid June….




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[schmitzna]

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.

[mwshaw]

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.

[BD1]

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.