What we’re about
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
4
- $90.00
Intro to Wood Turning & Lathes: Make & Take a Screwdriver!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USLearn the wood lathe and turning basics in this introductory woodworking class at HackPGH, taught by our Woodshop Lead Adam! We will focus on the safe operation of a wood lathe and how to choose the appropriate wood and turning tools. Each student will create something fun and functional to take home; a ratcheting screwdriver set. These sets have seven functions:
- #1 and #2 Phillips driver with reversible slotted tips
- 1/4", 5/16", & 7/16" hex nut drivers
Students will learn the basics of turning with carbide AND HSS (high-speed steel) tools as well as how to prep, turn, and assemble their screwdriver kits. Different types of wood will be available for selection and each student will have their choice of gift box - just in time for the holidays!
Carbide or HSS? The "best choice" of turning tools depends on the application. Carbide offers superior wear resistance, higher cutting speeds, and lower maintenance by allowing tip rotation rather than sharpening, but can produce a rougher finish. The versatility and precision of HSS tools can achieve finer finishes and details. However, they often require special skills to use and wear out faster, requiring frequent sharpening. Students will first learn the basics using one of our carbide sets. Thereafter, each participant will choose the type of turning tools they would like to use.
Date and time: Tuesday, October 21st from 6:30pm-9:30pm (class can go later for those needing additional help)
Requirements: No experience needed. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Wear closed-toed shoes and short sleeves. If you wish to wear long sleeves, make sure they are snug-fitting. Dangling jewelry should be removed, and tie back any long hair!
Instructor: Adam W
Cost: $90 for non-members, $80 for HackPGH Members.
We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!Be advised:
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Payment is due at time of registration. You must contact us directly if you wish to pay with a check!
- If payment is not received within four days of the class, your registration will be canceled and we will activate the waitlist.
- If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Class Size: 2 people
Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+
1 attendee - $55.00
Kitchen Quilting w/Kym - Make & Take a Potholder!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: This class is an introduction to the basics of quilting and sewing using woven fabrics. Students will learn the fundamentals of machine operation, sewing seams, rotary cutter and acrylic ruler usage, and more. These sewing and quilting techniques will be used to make a sample quilt square with the 9-patch pattern. Whether you've never touched a sewing machine or need a refresher from your Home Ec class decades ago, this class is right for you! Each participant will make their own quilt square pot holder to take home at the end of class. All materials will be provided.
Prerequisites: No experience required for this class. This is the first class in our quilting series. The skills acquired will build a foundation for quilting, and the pattern can be used along with other quilt blocks to make a full quilt. However, beginners can also take this class as an introduction to sewing basics.
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 21st from 6:30pm to 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.Cost: $55 for non-members $50 for HackPGH members.
IMPORTANT: We cannot accept RSVPs through Meetup. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!Be advised:
- 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: Kym
Age Requirement: 16+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please contact us at info(at)hackpittsburgh.org if you would like to register a minor child.
Class Limit: 2 - We have limited the number of students so that each participant can receive more intensive training and time with the instructor.
1 attendee - $55.00
Intro to Sewing Workshop with Kym
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: This class is an introduction to the basics of sewing with woven fabrics. Students will learn basic machine operation, sewing seams, corners, a basic zipper installation, while making a simple mini cosmetics bag using a So-Sew Easy sewing pattern. Whether you have never used a sewing machine or need a refresher from your home ec class decades ago, this class is right for you! Each participant will make their own mini cosmetics bag to take home at the end of class. No experience required. All materials will be provided.
Cost: $55 for non-members $50 for HackPGH members. 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!
Important: We cannot accept RSVPs through Meetup. Click the link below to register through our website.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!Be advised:
- Payment is due at time of registration. You must notify HackPGH if you wish to pay with cash.
- If payment is not received within four hours days of 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: Tuesday, October 28th from 6:30pm to 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: Kym
Age Requirement: 16+, you MUST contact us at info(at)hackpittsburgh.org if you wish to register a minor child!
Class Limit: 2 people
1 attendee 
Hack-O-Ween: HackPGH's Halloween & 16th Anniversary Party!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USCelebrate Halloween AND HackPGH's 16th Anniversary!
Join us for the 2024 "Hack-O-Ween" Party!
Featuring:- Costume contest
- Food*
- Drinks*
- Chance Auction**
- Halloween music and movies
- Grand Prize Raffle: a Bambu A1 Mini Combo 3D Printer with filament and accessories!
Must be 18+ to attend. Those who choose to consume alcohol must be 21 years or older. RSVPs are welcome, but not required!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 31st 6:30pm - Sunday, October 20th 12:30am
Suggested donation: $5 per person (not a requirement for entry!)
Location: HackPGH is located in the the basement level of 1936 Fifth Avenue. Our entrance is on Jumonville Street; look for the blue signs!
Parking: There is free street parking on both sides of Jumonville Street and the fenced side of Watson Street. HackPGH has a small gravel lot off Watson, and an overflow lot located in the front of our building.
*Food & Beverages
Pizza, hot buffalo chicken dip, and various snacks will be served, along with beer, punch, apple cider, soft drinks, and bottled water. Feel free to bring a sharable entrée or appetizer or your favorite boozy or non-boozy beverage!**What is a Chance Auction?
A Chance Auction combines silent auctions and raffles. Bidders buy tickets to bid on items, and the more tickets they buy, the higher their chances of winning. The winner is chosen by lottery, not by the highest bid.- Bidders can purchase tickets for $1 each, or twelve for $10. You do not have to be present at the party to win! We will be posting the auction items and links to purchase tickets on our website about a week before the event!
- Bidders put tickets in a basket for the item they want to win, or a proxy board member will do it for online purchases.
- Towards the end of the party, tickets are drawn from each basket and winners are announced! Online winners will be notified within 72 hours of the drawing to arrange pickup of prizes.
1 attendee
Past events
556
