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
- $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, July 18th 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 - $90.00
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, July 19th 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: Erik & Parker
Cost: $90 for non-members, $80 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 - $70.00
Beginners Plus Sewing - Make a Caryall Tote!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USDescription: This beginners "plus" sewing class will expand on introductory topics while tackling a slightly more complex project. Students will practice machine operation, sewing seams, corners, a basic zipper installation, all while making a large caryall tote with straps and an inner zipped pocket. Whether you took our intro class and are ready for the next project, or just want to brush up on your rusty skills; this is the sewing class for you! Each participant will sew their own caryall tote to take home at the end of class. Keep the tote for yourself or give it to your valentine!
Prerequisites: Some domestic sewing machine experience in the past century required. This class builds on a foundation of introductory skills, but we will be skipping basics like bobbin winding and threading practice for the sake of time. Contact us if you have questions. All materials will be provided.
Cost: $70 for non-members $60 for HackPGH members.
Important: We cannot accept Meetup RSVPs
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!
Be advised:- 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!
Date and Time: Sunday, July 19th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. 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: Kym
Age Requirement: 16+, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please contact us at info(at)hackpittsburgh.org if you would like to register a minor child.
Class Limit: 2 students
1 attendee - $160.00
Intro to Woodworking w/Joe - Make a Miter Joint Box!
HackPGH, 1936 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USThis two-session woodworking class will educate students on the basic concepts and safe use of woodshop equipment, while crafting a unique lidded box with mitered joints 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
- Basic finishing
Structure: Miter joint boxes are ideal projects for beginners; students will learn a multitude of woodworking skills in the process. The boxes themselves make excellent keepsakes and gifts! This class is split into two 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: Monday, July 20th 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.
- SESSION 2: Tuesday, July 21st from 6:30PM-8:30 PM: Students will learn how to assemble their boxes with mitered joints. The projects will be completed by sanding and applying finish.
- 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.
Prerequisites: 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: $160 ($150 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
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