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
6
- $50.00

Learn to Solder: Make & Take a Colorful Alarm Clock!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USLearn to solder and take home something fun and functional!
Description: This class is an introduction to soldering for the complete beginner or those who are feeling a "bit rusty" with their soldering skills. Beebo will take students through the process of building a colorful alarm clock that can also display the date and temperature! Each participant will take their own clock home at the end of the class. No experience required. All materials such as soldering irons, solder, and other tools will be provided.
Cost: $55 for non-members, $50 for HackPGH members.
- Payment is due at time of registration.
- Contact us at info(at)hackpittsburgh.org if you plan on paying with cash.
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- If you cannot make the class, you must contact us within 48 hours of the class date.
We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs!
YOU MUST REGISTER & PAY HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!Date and Time: Thursday, August 13th from 6:30pm-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: 10+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian wishes to make their own clock, a (discounted) second ticket must be purchased.
Class limit: 8 students
1 attendee - $90.00

Intro to Wood Lathes & Turning w/Erik
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USThis beginner woodworking class at HackPGH covers the basics of the wood lathe and turning. We will focus on the safe operation of both free standing and benchtop wood lathes, as well as how to choose the appropriate wood and turning tools.
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 individual projects. Different types of hardwoods will be available for selection. This class is great for couples, friends, family, or individuals! Participants will have the choice of making one of the following items:
- Honey dipper
- Self-standing bottle topper
- Bottle opener
- Cheese planer
- Ice cream scoop
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 learn the basics using one of our carbide sets. Thereafter, the instructors will help participants choose which set is best for their projects.
Date and time: Sunday, August 23rd from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Class can go later for those needing extra help with their projects at the discretion of the instructor. There will be breaks for drinks and snacks.
Requirements: No experience needed. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and snug-fitting clothing; short sleeves if possible! Dangling jewelry should be removed, and tie back any long hair.Instructor: Erik & Parker
Cost: $95 for non-members, $85 for HackPGH Members. $155 for couples or doubles
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS! YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 72 hours before the class date!
- Payment is due at time of registration; please contact us if you wish to pay with cash or check
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+
1 attendee - $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 accept 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, August 27th 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 who wants to make their own 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
Past events
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