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
5
- $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 - $95.00
Intro to Wood Lathes & Turning w/Erik
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USThis beginner woodworking class at HackPGH covers the basics of the wood lathe and turning. 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. This class is great for couples, friends, family, or individuals! Participants will have the choice of making one of the following items:
- Honey dipper
- Self-standing bottle topper
- Bottle opener
- Cheese planer
- Ice cream scoop
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, the instructors will help participants choose which set is best for their projects.
Date and time: Sunday, October 3rd from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Class can go later for those needing extra help with their projects at the discretion of the instructor. There will be breaks for drinks and snacks.
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(s): Erik & Parker
Cost: $95 for non-members, $85 for HackPGH Members. $155 for couples or doubles
WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEETUP RSVPS! YOU MUST 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; please contact us if you wish to pay with cash or check
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+
1 attendee - $60.00
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: Tuesday, October 6th from 7:30pm- 9:30pm (depending on the class size, the session might end earlier around nine)
Cost: $60 for non-members, $55 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
2 attendees - $165.00
MIG Welding 101: Make Your Own Chain Lamp!
HackPittsburgh, 1936 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USJoin 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. All PPE will be provided.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $165, $150 for HackPGH Members
We cannot accept RSVPs through Meetup, YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!- Payment is due upon registration. If payment has not been received within four days of the class session, your registration will be voided.
- Contact us if you want 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!
Instructor(s): George Davidson
Class limit: 4 students
1 attendee
Past events
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