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- Chainmail Jewelry: Make & Take a Bag and Necklace/Bracelet!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$45.00
In this fun and interactive workshop, participants will learn basic chainmail and jewelry-making techniques. These skills will then be used to make two items:
- a European four-in-one chainmail bag (with or without drawstring); and
- A dual-color Byzantine chain. These beautifully patterned chains can easily be turned into an attractive bracelet or necklace with clasps from our jewelry-making bench.
Students will leave class with a bag, their choice of Byzantine chain jewelry, and/or the tools to complete both!
Date and time: Tuesday, July 8th from from 6:00pm-9:00pm
**Students may stay a bit later to work on their pieces as long as instructor permits.Requirements: No experience necessary.
Age Requirement: 11+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Instructor: Brian "Beebo" Esch
Cost (non-members): $45 for general tickets, $40 for HackPGH members.
YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & PAY!- Payment is due at time of registration.
- Contact us if you want to pay in cash. If payment is not received within four days of the class session, your registration will be forfeited.
Class size: 8 people
Location & Parking: Click here to see a map of our entrances, parking options, and nearby public transportation stops.
- Intro to Woodworking w/ Elena - Make a Floating ShelfHackPGH, 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 beautiful floating shelf with hidden mountings. Students will leave with their own shelf and an understanding and safety training on the following equipment and skills:- Table, Miter, & Bandsaws
- Joiner
- Planer
- Drill press
- Combination & Orbital Sanders
- Hand router
Structure: This class is split into two weeknight sessions:
- Tuesday, July 8th from 6:30PM-9:30PM:
The instructor will take the entire cohort through the process of constructing the planter box, demonstrating the safe use of the necessary equipment and tools along the way. - Wednesday, July 9th from 6:30PM-9:30PM:
Each student will create their own floating shelves with hands-on guidance 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 & PAY!
- Payment is due at registration 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 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
- Learn to Solder: Make & Take a Colorful Alarm Clock!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$50.00
Learn 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. Be advised, 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, July 10th 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
How to find us: Click here for a map of our building, parking options, and nearby public transit stops!
- 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.
