About us
As our city's first and oldest makerspace, HackPGH has served Pittsburgh's creative community for fifteen years. We steadfastly believe that the Maker Movement should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their prior level of experience and irrespective of their socioeconomic background. HackPGH is a life-changing place where creative exploration, professional development, and socializing are actively encouraged.
Our secure workshop caters to a wide variety of interests and is open 24/7 to members. Over the years, we have built dedicated workspaces for woodworking, welding, machining & metalworking, electronics, laser cutting, CNC routing, sewing & embroidery, 3D printing, and many more!
HackPGH is a 501(c) non-profit organization with no paid employees. We keep fees as low as possible and in return, all members are required to regularly volunteer at the organization in some way - training others, contributing to a group project, cleaning the shop, and more.
Membership Model (as of 2024): - $75/month for 24/7 RFID access and communal training on almost all tools and machines. Discounts rates are available for students, seniors (60+), active armed services/veterans, and persons with disabilities. We offer paid classes as well as free clubs and events that are open to the public. While memberships are limited to adults (18+), many of our classes welcome children above the age of twelve.
HackPGH is all about collaboration, education, inclusion, and community. These goals transcend the boundaries of our workshop to the streets of Pittsburgh. As a charitable organization, outreach has always been a vital part of our past and present, from our free vaccination clinics to our food & clothing drives to constructing PPE during the COVID pandemic. Our primary goal for the future: further community involvement through classes, clubs, outreach events, and social engagements, all open to everyone regardless of membership status.
http://www.hackpgh.org
Upcoming events
10
- $75.00
Intermediate Soldering: Make & Take a Bluetooth Speaker
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDo you enjoy soldering and wish to take on a more challenging project? Did you speed run through our clock or holiday tree intro classes? If so, this class is for you! Join us for this fun and informative soldering session!
Description: This intermediate class will increase familiarity with soldering and electrical components and strengthen the participants' understanding of electronic theory. Beebo will take students through the process of constructing a portable Bluetooth Speaker. Each participant will take their own speaker, complete with remote and plug, home at the end of the class. All materials such as soldering irons, solder, speaker components, and other tools will be provided.
Prerequisites: Registrants must have previous hands-on soldering experience and a basic foundation of electronics knowledge OR have completed one of HackPGH's Intro to Soldering classes.
Cost: $75 for non-members, $65 for HackPGH members.
We cannot take Meetup RSVPs. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY FOR THIS CLASS!
Important:- You must pay at time of registration to hold your spot! If we have not received your payment within three days of the class, your registration will be cancelled.
- If you wish to pay with cash or need extra time to make a payment, you must contact us by email (info(at)hackpittsburgh.org) to make alternative arrangements.
- Be advised, no-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date!
Date and Time: Thursday, February 19th from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water are all available from our coffee bar during breaks. Other snacks and drinks are available from our vending machines.
Instructor: Beebo
Age requirement: Must be ten (10) years or older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Guardians who are merely accompanying a minor to the class should select the "Minor Child with Parent/Guardian NOT Participating" option, and add the child's info in the guest form.
- Any adult wishing to make their own separate speaker alongside their child should choose "Minor Child Ticket with Parent/Guardian Participating."
Class limit: 6 students
Contact: Email us at info (at) hackpittsburgh.org if you have any questions or problems with the registration process.
1 attendee - $65.00
Intro to Leatherwork: Make a Double Snap Wallet!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: In this class, students will learn the basics of cutting and hand-sewing leather in addition to several finishing techniques. Skills learned include:
- Cutting natural leather from a template
- Hand stitching
- Using punches, snaps, and stamps
- Edge burnishing
- Using a hand/foot press
- Dyeing and/or painting leather
Each participant will make their own double snap leather wallet to take home; gift box included!
Prerequisites: No experience required, all materials provided
Age requirement: 18+, adults only
Date & Time: Saturday, February 21st from 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Cost: $65 for non-members, $55 for HackPGH members
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!!- Payment is due at time of registration. You must notify HackPGH if you wish to pay with cash.
- If payment is not received 72 hours before class time, your registration will be cancelled and we will move to the waitlist!
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date!
Instructor: Benji
Class size: 3 students
1 attendee - $50.00
Intro to the Serger/Overlock: Make Your Own Hand Warmers!
HackPittsburgh, 1936 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: This class is for sewists who are looking to expand their skills by learning the serger/overlock machine. Students will learn the machine's parts, safety protocols, operation, and how to thread a 4-spool overlock machine. These skills will be used to create simple rice-filled, microwaveable, hand warmers. It's a perfect gift for your valentine this winter!
What is a Serger/Overlock Machine? Sergers are a multi-purpose multi-thread machine with opposing cutting blades that can be used in seam finishing work, as well as hemming and knit garment construction. This machine is a companion to the domestic sewing machine.
Prerequisites: Must be 18+, adults only. Basic domestic sewing machine experience, especially threading the machine, is required to take this class. A small amount of hand sewing will be involved in this project, but hand sewing experience isn’t necessary. Please contact us at info (at) hackpittsburgh.org if you have questions. We invite you to check out our many beginners' sewing classes if you're not quite ready for this class!
Cost: $50 for non-members $45 for HackPGH members. Be advised:
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!- Payment is due at time of registration. You must notify HackPGH if you wish to pay with cash.
- If payment is not received 72 hours before class time, your registration will be cancelled and we will move to the waitlist!
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date!
Date and Time: Saturday, February 28th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Note on class time: This timeframe is an estimate. Every student learns at a different pace. While we have planned a three-hour class, you may need more or less time. Participants should plan ahead accordingly! Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water are all available from our coffee bar during breaks. Other snacks and drinks are available from our vending machines.
Instructor: Erin
Class Limit: 2 - We have limited the number of students so that each participant can receive more intensive training and time with the instructor.
2 attendees - $170.00
Intro to Woodworking w/Joe - Make a Chessboard!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USThis three-session woodworking class will educate students on the basic concepts and safe use of woodshop equipment, while crafting a beautiful two-tone chessboard from a selection of hardwoods. Participants will gain an understanding and basic safety training on the following equipment:
- Table, Miter, & Bandsaws
- Jointer
- Planer
- Combination & Orbital Sanders
- Router Table (at optional office hours)
- Basic finishing
Structure: Chessboards, while simple enough for beginners, take time to assemble due to the downtime necessary for drying. As such, this class is split into three primary weeknight sessions. For those requiring extra help or time to complete their projects, an optional "office hours" session will be available by appointment.
Dates & Times:
- SESSION 1: Tuesday, March 3rd from 6:30PM-9:30 PM: The instructor will take the class through the process of dimensioning and squaring lumber from rough cut to project-ready, demonstrating the safe use of the necessary equipment and tools along the way. Students will also learn how to do a glue-up.
- SESSION 2: Wednesday, March 4th from 6:30PM-8:30PM: Students will use the planer and table saw, then do a second glue-up.
- SESSION 3: Thursday, March 5th from 6:30-8:30 PM: Chessboards will be sanded and finished.
- OPTIONAL OFFICE HOURS: Joe will be available by email and Slack (for HackPGH members) to arrange office hours for those who need extra help or time. By appointment only.
Requirements: No woodworking experience needed. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes, remove any dangling jewelry, and tie back any long hair.
Age Requirements: Adults only, must be 18+
Instructor: Joe Fraker
Cost: $170 ($160 for HackPGH Members). Price includes materials, instruction, and an optional office hour session with the instructor.
IMPORTANT. WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!- You must register and pay to hold your spot! If we do not receive your payment within four (4) days of the first class session, your registration will be cancelled.
- Contact us to make arrangements if you wish to pay with cash.
- No-shows will NOT be refunded. If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Membership discount: We encourage students of this class to join HackPGH and use the makerspace at their convenience. Non-members who complete the class will receive a code for 50% off their first month of membership. Not only will new members gain 24/7 access to the woodshop, but also our CNC, welding bench, 3D printers, laser cutter, computer lab, electronics bench, Soft Arts, and more! Speak to a Board Member or contact us at info (at) hackpittsburgh.org for more information.
Class Size: 5 people
1 attendee
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