Welding Tips and Tricks

I'm from Oklahoma, do some light hobbyist welding with Hobart handler 140, as well as some stick welding with bobcat 225.

I have been listening to the weldingtipsandtricks podcast for about 6 months now, and i somehow talked myself (and my wife) into driving to Chicago to check out fabtech.

It is going to cost me a couple of tickets to Hamilton to bribe the wife for coming with me, and I have registered her and myself. I really think i'm going to be like a kid in a candy store, even though I have no idea what i'm getting into.

I'm almost regretting setting up the trip, in the fact that i'm fairly sure my wife is going to be miserable at any amount of time spent at fabtech (she is an elementary school librarian) I think there may be some application, because she does want to set up a makerspace in the library, but other than that I don't think she's really into anything else there.

So i'm introducing myself and asking the question: Should I even drag my wife there? should I buy her a day at a Spa? I really hate to send her off, but would love some ideas and suggestions.

Thanks!

Hard to say what the wife will do, but I know you'll enjoy the show. You'l be amazed at the huge machines they bring in, laser, waterjet, saws, metal forming all (well most) under power and operating. Last year was my first, it was great. One day isn't enough but it's better then not going. Lots of free stuff being given away as well. ENJOY

Check out some videos on YT from past events, although they don't do it justice, let you wife watch and....?