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
9
- $100.00
Valentine's Woodturning Workshop
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription:
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 for Valentine's Day. If that someone is you, that's fine - treat yourself! We won't judge...
Learn the wood lathe and turning basics in this special Valentine's-themed 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: Thursday, February 5th from 6:00pm 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
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 7th 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.
1 attendee - $70.00
Beginners Plus Sewing - Make a Caryall Tote!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: This beginners "plus" sewing class will expand on introductory topics while tackling a slightly more complex project. Students will practice machine operation, sewing seams, corners, a basic zipper installation, all while making a large caryall tote with straps and an inner zipped pocket. Whether you took our intro class and are ready for the next project, or just want to brush up on your rusty skills; this is the sewing class for you! Each participant will sew their own caryall tote to take home at the end of class. Keep the tote for yourself or give it to your valentine!
Prerequisites: Some domestic sewing machine experience in the past century required. This class builds on a foundation of introductory skills, but we will be skipping basics like bobbin winding and threading practice for the sake of time. Contact us if you have questions. All materials will be provided.
Cost: $70 for non-members $60 for HackPGH members.
Important: We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs
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!
Date and Time: Sunday, February 8th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. 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+, 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 students
2 attendees - $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: $50 for non-members, $45 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, February 12th 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
Past events
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