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
- $180.00
Intro to Knife Forging: Make a Brut de Forge Knife!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USLearn how to craft a simple, durable "brut de forge" style knife in this intensive but fun class! Participants will learn how to safely forge high-carbon steel using HackPGH's new Atlas Knife Forge! Whether you're a complete beginner or it's been awhile since you've spent time in front of a forge, this is the class for you!
Topics covered include:- Forge safety
- Steel types
- Forging
- Heat treating
- Grinding & Beveling
- Handle preparation
- Sharpening & Finishing
Each student will make and take home their own knife, with limited customization options available such as length and handle finishes.
Prerequisites: No experience necessary.Age requirement: 18+ (adults only!)
Safety Information: Work boots or leather shoes recommended. No open-toed or cloth shoes. Remove any dangling jewelry and tie back long hair. We recommend wearing close-fitting, natural fiber clothing such as denim and cotton.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. There will several breaks throughout the class, including a one-hour break for a takeout lunch. Please contact us if you have any dietary restrictions!
Office Hours: If extra time is needed to complete the knives, the instructor will hold optional Office Hours, by appointment only.
Instructor: Benjamin Kranking
Cost: $180, $165 for HackPGH Members
We CANNOT accept RSVPs through Meetup!
YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!
Be advised:- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- Payment is due at time of registration. You must contact us if you plan to pay with cash.
- If payment is not received within three days of the class date, your registration will be cancelled and we will activate the waitlist.
- Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 72 hours before the class date!
Class size: Two (2) students
1 attendee - $50.00
Intro to Leatherwork: Make & Take a Key Fob Holder!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: In this class, students will learn the basics of cutting and hand-sewing leather in addition to several finishing techniques. Skills learned include:
- Cutting natural leather from a choice of a dozen patterns
- Hand stitching
- Using punches, snaps, and stamps
- Edge burnishing
- Using a hand/foot press
- Dyeing and/or painting leather
Each participant will make their own stitched leather key fob** or RFID/Air Tag holder to take home!
**Note: The traditional definition of key fob is something that designates one key from another. However, this project can also be stitched around RFID door-key fobs or AirTags, creating a semi-permanent or removable holder. Our patterns range in sizes and shapes. Most standard RFID door-key fobs will fit and function inside the leather holders, but auto key fobs will not.
Prerequisites: No experience required, all materials provided
Age requirement: 18+, adults only
Date & Time: Sunday, September 27th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Cost: $50 for non-members, $45 for HackPGH members
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!
Instructor: Benji
Class size: 3 students
1 attendee - $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, September 29th 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, September 30th from 6:30PM-8:30PM: Students will use the planer and table saw, then do a second glue-up.
- SESSION 3: Thursday, October 1 from 6:30PM-8:30PM: 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
Past events
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