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
8
- $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 - $100.00
Valentine's Woodturning Workshop
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USValentine's Day is long-over in early March, but we were asked to add more dates for our Valentine's Day themed classes, so here's your opportunity to attend!
Description:
Learn something new with a loved one while creating something fun and functional! Or, attend by yourself and handcraft a beautiful gift for that special someone. If that someone is you, that's fine - treat yourself! We won't judge...Learn the wood lathe and turning basics in this special "date night" beginner woodworking class at HackPGH. 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. Participants can also choose from a few types of gift boxes - just in time for Valentine's Day! This class is great for couples, friends, or individuals! Participants will have the choice of making one of the following items:
- Honey dipper
- Self-standing bottle topper
- Bottle opener
- Cheese planer
After the class, participants will be invited to snack on cured meats, various cheeses, fruits, chocolate, crackers, sparkling beverages, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and/or water.
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, each participant will choose the type of turning tools they would like to use.
Date and time: Tuesday, March 10th from 6:0pm to 9:30pm (class can go later for snacking and/or for those needing extra help with their projects)
Cost: $100 for non-members, $90 for HackPGH Members. $170 for couples. WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS. 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
- Contact us to make arrangements if you wish to pay with cash
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: Adam W
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+
1 attendee - $50.00
Hands-On Privacy: Using the Raspberry Pi to Control DNS and Block Ads
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USIn this short class, students will learn how the Unix shell and DNS tools provide the foundation for managing and securing networks. Using a Raspberry Pi as a hands-on platform, participants will practice essential shell commands, connect remotely with SSH, and explore how domain names and IP addresses work through tools like nslookup and whois. Participants will then be guided step by step through installing and configuring Pi-hole, a powerful DNS-based ad blocker, to stop ads and trackers across an entire network. Students will take home their own Raspberry Pi 3 with Pi-hole installed and configured.
Topics Covered:
- Unix shell basics and Bash
- Secure remote access with SSH
- Using nslookup and whois
- History and role of BIND
- Running your own DNS for privacy on Raspberry Pi
- Installing and configuring Pi-hole
- Challenges from ad tech — and community-driven solutions
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 11th from 7:30pm- 9:30pm (depending on the class size, the session might end earlier around nine)
Cost: $50 for non-members, $45 for HackPGH members
Important: We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs.
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.
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date!
- If payment is not received 72 hours before class time, your registration will be cancelled and we will move to the waitlist!
Instructor: Jason Lines
Class size: 6 people
1 attendee
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