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
5
- $165.00
Beginner Woodworking & Framing - Make a Shadow Box!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USTHIS CLASS CONSISTS OF TWO WEEKNIGHT SESSIONS.
Description: This beginner-friendly woodworking class is a must for anyone who wants to up their display game - whether you're looking for ways to show off your own crafts, take your art to the next level, or just make a unique handmade gift! This class provides a foundation of woodshop and craftsmanship fundamentals, as students will learn the following:
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- Band saw
- Orbital Sander
- Drill/Driver
- Applying finish
- Backing and spacing a frame
Each student will leave with a unique hardwood shadow box frame with all the fixings; just add your own art! No experience required. All materials and PPE provided.
What is a Shawdowbox? Shadowboxes are displays made for 3D objects - they're deeper, with a few tricks to get the right presentation and strength. Want to incorporate LEDs and other electronics? Shadow boxes make a great base. Want a unique way to show off 2D art? Shadow boxes literally make the piece stand out.
Format: Students will learn to safely use the most common woodworking tools for basic construction of frames, then execute those skills from start to finish by:
- creating a wooden shadow box from hardwood boards;
- learning fine finishing work with natural, renaissance-era varnishes and varnishing techniques; and
- learning how to make any framed work resistant to age-related damage.
Dates and Times: This is a two-part class consisting of two 3-hour sessions:
- Session 1: Tuesday, April 21st from 6:30PM to 9:30PM
- Session 2: Wednesday, April 22nd from 6:30PM to 9:30PM
Cost: $165 for non-members, $155 for HackPGH members.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS! YOU MUST 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 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 72 hours before the class date!
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: Feliks
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: 6 students
Bonus: Need something to put in the shadow box? Students who take this class will qualify for a discount code for our matching "Cricut Critters Class", so you'll be able to make a unique 3D animal for the box! Only pay $180 for both classes!
2 attendees - $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, April 23rd from 6:00pm 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: 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, April 25th 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 within four days of the class, 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
Beginner Papermaking: Create Seed Paper from Recycled Materials!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USSpring into HackPGH for a fun and friendly lesson in the basics of papermaking by creating plantable seed paper from scratch! We'll make beautiful handmade papers from common, inexpensive items. This is a great craft for all ages!
During this three-hour class, students will learn the following:- Creating moulds and deckle - the frames used to make sheets of paper - out of common dollar-store items
- Recycling and processing papers & other fibers to make paper pulp into something new and beautiful.
- Dyeing, reinforcing, and using inclusions in paper for all sorts of functions.
- Creating seed paper that you can use to plant a beautiful pollinator garden!
Participants will take home their own mould and deckle, at least five sheets of seed paper for planting, and whatever else is made in the class!
Prerequisites: No experience needed. All materials provided. Students are encouraged to bring paper, glitter, fabric scraps, and plant parts - just about anything you're curious about including in paper. Great if you have a lot of stationary scraps! Email us at info (at) hackpittsburgh (dot) org if you have any questions.
Age requirement: Ages 9+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guardians may work with their minor, but for additional mould and deckles to work with, an additional ticket must be purchased.
Safety requirements: Please wear short sleeves and anything you don't mind getting wet. Students will be working and submerging arms into large vats of water. Aprons are available to borrow, but there's no guarantee that they will protect all clothing from splashes.
Date & Time: Sunday, April 26th from 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Cost: $50, $45 for HackPGH Members.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS. YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!
Be advised:- You must register and pay to save your spot in the class!
- Contact us if you want to pay with cash. If payment has not been received within four days of the class session, your registration will be voided.
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 72 hours before the class date!
Instructor: Feliks
Class size: 4 students
1 attendee
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