
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 (3)
See all- Miniature Painting Workshop w/AaronHackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$45.00
In this class, you will choose from a variety of unpainted miniature models designed for use as game pieces for Tabletop Roleplaying Games and paint them as you like. You will learn basic miniature painting techniques like dry brushing and paint blending. The course will focus on teaching what is commonly called the "Slap Chop" method of miniature painting, also known as "Speedpainting" which allows for quick and colorful results without the long waiting times of most classical mini painting techniques.
No previous miniature painting experience is required. Students will leave with an understanding of the following:- Different mini paint brands and paint types
- Basic color theory
- Applying finishing products
Structure: The class will involve one 3 hour session. Bathrooms and beverages are available on premises. Light snacks are available in our vending machines. All supplies for paints, brushes, miniatures, and finishes will be provided by HackPGH.
Date/Time: Thursday, May 1st 6:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Aaron Stein, Professional Dungeon Master
Class Size: 6 people max
Age requirement: Must be 13+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $45 for non-members, $40 for HackPGH members. If only accompanying a minor, not participating, cost is waived. Want to take this class but need low-income assistance? Please reach out privately to HackPGH's Board President to discuss.
Important: We cannot accept registrations through Meetup. Please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!
Note: No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact HackPGH if you need to cancel within 48 hours of the class date.
How to find us: We are in the basement of our building! Click here to see a map of our building, entrances, parking options, and nearby public transit stops
About our instructor: Aaron Stein works full time as a Professional Dungeon Master, running games of Dungeons & Dragons both online through Startplaying games and offline at HackPGH on alternating Saturdays. At HackPGH, Aaron has been able to utilize our 3D Printing facilities to create all sorts of miniatures and terrain to make for an exciting in-person gaming experience like no other in Pittsburgh! Aaron has spent the last 25 years as a Dungeon Master and believes that tabletop roleplaying games, through the act of shared storytelling, are the best way to spend time with friends and to even make bonds new friends. To learn about more games Aaron is running you can find them here.
- Intro to Woodworking w/ Elena -Make a Window Planter BoxHackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$160.00
This woodworking class will educate students on the basic concepts and safe use of woodshop equipment, while crafting a window planter box for your spring flowers/herbs. Students will leave with their own box and an understanding and safety training on the following equipment and skills:
- Table, Miter, & Bandsaws
- Joiner
- Planer
- Drill press
- Combination & Orbital Sanders
- Router Table
- Applying finish
Structure: This class will have one group session, where the entire cohort will work through constructing their own window planter boxes. The instructor will also offer optional "office hour" sessions (by appointment) to aid students with completing their projects and provide further guidance.
Class date & time: Saturday, May 10th 2025 from 10:00am-3:00pm. Lunch will be provided, so please advise if you have any food sensitivities or allergies.
Instructor Office Hours: Optional and by appointment. Contact Elena via email or Slack (for members).
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.
Instructor: Elena Sotos
Cost: $150 ($160 for Non-Members). Price includes materials, lunch, instruction, and an optional office hour session with the instructor. You must register and pay to hold your spot! No-shows will NOT be refunded. If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
You must click this link to register and reserve your spot!Membership discount: We encourage students of this class to join HackPGH and use the makerspace at their convenience. Non-members will receive 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
Age Requirements: Adults only! Must be 18+ to attend
- Intermediate to Woodworking w/ Elena -Create a Picture FrameHackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$185.00
**PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO DAY CLASS WITH TWO SEPARATE SESSIONS ON TUES THE 13TH AND WED THE 14TH OF MAY 2025
Have you already taken an intro woodshop class? Want to tackle something more than another cutting board? This class will educate students on more intermediate to advanced woodworking concepts and use of equipment. Students will leave with their own custom frame made from a selection of hardwoods, and gain more advanced techniques using the following equipment and skills:Table, Miter, & Bandsaws
Joiner
Planer
Drill press
Combination & Orbital Sanders
Router Table
Applying finishStructure: This class will have two (2) weeknight group sessions, where the entire cohort will work through constructing their own picture frame. The instructor will offer optional "office hour" sessions by appointment to aid students with completing their projects and provide further guidance. However, students are encouraged to join HackPGH and utilize the makerspace at their own convenience to independently use the woodshop and other shop areas such as our CNC, welding bench, 3D printers, laser cutter, computer lab, Soft Arts, and more!
Class dates & times: Attendance is required at both sessions.
Tuesday, May 13th 2025 from 6:30pm-9:30pm; AND
Wednesday, May 14th 2025 from 6:30pm-9:30pm.Instructor Office Hours: Optional and by appointment. Contact Elena via email or Slack (for members).
Requirements: Woodworking experience is needed for this course, per the Instructor's approval. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes, remove dangling jewelry, and tie any long hair back for your safety!
Instructor: Elena Sotos
Cost: $175 ($185 for Non-Members) Cost includes materials, lunch, instruction, and an office hours session if needed. You must register and pay to hold your place! No-shows will NOT be refunded. If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Membership discount: Non-members who take this class qualify for a 50% discount for their first month of HackPGH membership. Speak to a Board Member or contact us at info@hackpittsburgh.org for more information!Class Size: 4 people
Age Requirements: Adults only! Must be 18+ to attend this class.You must click this link to register and pay!
Click the link below to see a map of our building, entrances, parking options, and nearby public transportation:
Click here to see a map of our building, entrances, parking options, and nearby public transportation