What we’re about
As our city's first and oldest makerspace, HackPGH has served Pittsburgh and its creative community for nearly fifteen years – the earliest days of the Maker Movement. We steadfastly believe that being part of this 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! Our focus is on collaboration, education, inclusion, and community.
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 2023): - $55/month for 24/7 RFID access and communal training on almost all tools and machines. A $35/month discounted rate is available for students, seniors (60+), active armed services/veterans, and persons with disabilities. We offer paid classes and 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 ten.
HackPGH is all about community, and that transcends 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 (4+)
See all- MIG Welding 101: Make & Take Your Own Chain Lamp!HackPittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA$175.00
Join us at HackPGH for an intensive but fun and informative MIG welding class, intended for complete beginners and/or those looking to brush up on rusty skills while building something fun and functional.
Structure: This class provides the foundation for basic fabrication techniques using a MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder. Students will learn to tack-weld into place and fully weld steel. Each student will make and take home an industrial lamp made from heavy duty chain with an Edison-style bulb. Several breaks will be offered throughout the day, including a long break for a group takeout lunch. Lunch will be provided, but please advise if you have any allergies or food restrictions!
Requirements: No experience required. Ages 16+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Safety requirements: Work boots preferred. No open toed shoes (canvas is acceptable, but no cloth athletic shoes), and you must wear natural fiber clothing (denim, cotton, etc.). Long hair should be tied back for safety purposes!
Cost: $175 for non-members, $155 for HackPGH Members
You must register and pay using this link to save your spot in the class! NOTE: No-shows will NOT be refunded. If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Instructor: Kiefer
Class limit: 6 students
- Beginners Jewelry-Making: Design & Create a Metal Pendant NecklaceHackPittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA$80.00
This class is a fun and interactive introduction to jewelry-making, where students will learn basic skills and take home their own custom-made metal pendant necklace. Participants can either bring their own pre-prepared design or get help from the instructor to create one during the class session. All tools are provided! During the class, the following jewelry-making tools will be used:
- Jeweler's Saw
- Needle Files
- Flex Shaft
Students will learn the following basic techniques:
- Surface finishes
- Burr removal
- Riveting
- Bending
Structure: This is an intensive weekend class where the instructor will demonstrate the entire process: creating a design, fabricating the pendant, and finishing the necklace by attaching the pendant to a chain. Students will then be able to work with guided supervision on all aforementioned aspects of design, tools, and methods. Instructor will be available during the last part of the class session to address any questions and help participants finish their necklaces. There will be a long break for a group takeout lunch - included in the class price.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 4th from 11:00am-4:00pm
Requirements: No experience required. Please tie long hair back for safety.
Cost: $80 for non-members, $70 for members. Note: No-shows will not be refunded. If you have to cancel, please contact HackPGH 72 hours before the class date!
Click here to register and pay! (Registrations cannot be taken directly from Meetup.)Instructor: Andrew Pinto
Class size: 4 people
Age Requirement: 15+, all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
