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 (4)
See all- Origami Workshop with Beebo!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$15.00
Beat the heat and join us for a relaxing evening of fun, friends, and origami at HackPGH's air-conditioned lounge instead!
Beebo will be guiding participants through a variety of his favorite origami models, folds, and techniques. From the basic crane all the way to the difficult jackstone, beginners and advanced origami makers alike will be sure to find a model to tackle! Make a gift box or perhaps a jumping frog or flower? The world and this workshop is your oyster - you could probably make an origami version of that, too.
Choose from twenty solid-colored and twelve patterned paper options. We've got a lot of extras in case you make a mistake. No experience required.
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 15th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Participants can leave when they are finished with their model(s) or when the instructor ends the session.
Cost: $15, $10 for HackPGH members. Payment is due at time of registration. No-shows will not be refunded.
YOU MUST REGISTER AND PAY USING THIS LINK!Instructor: Beebo
Age Requirement: 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A discounted option is available for parents who want to make origami alongside their child.
- Intro to Woodworking w/ Elena - Make a Book StandHackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$160.00
*THIS IS A TWO-SESSION CLASS; PART ONE IS ON TUESDAY EVENING AND PART TWO ON WEDNESDAY EVENING*
This woodworking class will educate students on the basic concepts and safe use of woodshop equipment, while crafting a unique book or tablet stand made from a selection of hardwoods. Students will leave with their own stand after gaining understanding and safety training on the following equipment and skills:- Table, Miter, & Bandsaws
- Joiner
- Planer
- Combination & Orbital Sanders
- Router Table
- Applying finish
Structure: This class is split into two weeknight sessions:
- Tuesday, July 15th from 6:30PM-9:30PM:
The instructor will take the entire cohort through the process of constructing a book stand, demonstrating the safe use of the necessary equipment and tools along the way. - Wednesday, June 16th from 6:30PM-9:30PM:
Each student will create their own wooden stands with hands-on instruction available from the instructor. - (Optional) Office Hour(s) - by appointment only:
Should any student require extra time or guidance completing their projects, they can schedule optional "office hours" time with the instructor. Elena will be available by email and Slack (for HackPGH 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.
Age Requirements: Adults only! Must be 18+ to attend
Instructor: Elena Sotos
Cost: $160 ($150 for HackPGH Members). Price includes materials, instruction, and an optional office hour session with the instructor.
YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!- Payment is due at time of registration! 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 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, FABRICation Arts, and more! Speak to a Board Member or contact us at info (at) hackpittsburgh (dot) org for more information.
Class Size: 5 people
- Intermediate Woodworking w/ Elena - Create a Picture FrameHackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$185.00
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
- Hand Router
Structure: This class consists of one weekend session, 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 date & time: Sunday, July 20th from 10:30am to 4:30pm. There will be a break for a takeout lunch, so please let us know if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
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.
Age Requirements: Adults only! Must be 18+ to attend this class.
Instructor: Elena Sotos
Cost: $185 ($175 for HackPGH Members) Price includes materials, lunch, instruction, and an office hour session if needed.
YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!- Payment is due at time of registration. If we have not received payment within four (4) days of the class, your registration will be canceled.
- If you wish to pay with cash, you must contact us to make arrangements.
- 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 off their first month of HackPGH membership. Speak to a Board Member or contact us at info (at) hackpittsburgh (dot) org for more information!
Class Size: 4 people
- MIG Welding 101: Make Your Own Chain Lamp!HackPittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA$165.00
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 one of HackPGH's two MIG welders - the Millermatic 255 "MIGuel" and the Vulcan Omnipro 220! 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 longer break for a takeout lunch, so please let us know 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 or leather shoes recommended. No open-toed or cloth shoes. Long hair should be tied back, and and we recommend wearing natural fiber clothing such as denim and cotton.
Date & Time: Saturday, July 26th from 11:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $165, $150 for HackPGH Members
YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!- You must register and pay to save your spot in the class!
- Contact us if you want to pay with cash. If payment has not been received within four days of the class session, your registration will be voided.
- No-shows will NOT be refunded.
- If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Instructor(s): George Davidson
Class limit: 4 students
