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- Wood Turning & Lathes: Make & Take a Pen Gift Kit!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PAUSD 95.00
Want to make a unique holiday gift for someone special? You can do that at HackPGH while learning about different lathes and turning basics in this introductory woodworking class! We will focus on the concepts and safe use of the wood lathe while creating something fun and functional to take home: a pen kit! Students will learn the basics of turning with carbide tools as well as how to prep, turn and assemble their pen kits. Different types of wood will be available for selection. Each student will also have their choice of three gift boxes for their pens - just in time for the holiday season!
Using carbide tools is very easy, forgiving, and beginner-friendly. However, their application is not limited to the novice woodworker! The use of carbide tools is a great, low-investment way to learn to turn wood while building a foundation for techniques needed for advanced applications, such as turning with HSS (High Speed Steel) chisels.
Date and time: Sunday August 18th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Class can go a little later for those needing additional help.
Requirements: No woodworking experience needed. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and tie any long hair back for your safety!
Instructor: Zachary Amend
Cost (Reduced!): $95 for Non-Members, $85 for HackPGH Members. You must register and pay here to attend this class! No-shows will NOT be refunded. If you need to cancel, please contact HackPGH at least 48 hours before the class date!
Class Size: 4 people
Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+
Our entrance is on Jumonville Street! For map, parking, and bus information click here!
- Japanese Woodworking: Make a Pair of Custom Chopsticks!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PAUSD 30.00
This short but fun and informational class will guide students through making a unique pair of chopsticks with the use of traditional Japanese woodworking tools. Students will be led in refining a piece of locally sourced hardwoods into a purposeful, everyday tool. Maple and walnut blanks will be available to choose from. Participants can size the chopsticks with their needs and preferences in mind, and choose between square or rounded edges. In the end, each student will take home a custom pair of chopsticks and a wood conditioner containing beeswax, mineral oil, and vitamin E to maintain the health of their finished piece(s).
No woodworking experience is needed - come as you are! Students will leave with an understanding and safety training on the following:
- Lumber (species, selection, handling)
- Hand Saw
- Kanna / Hand Planes
- Applying finish
- Maintenance and care of finished chopsticks
Structure: This class will involve one 2-hour group session. Bathrooms and beverages are available on premises. All supplies provided by HackPGH.
Safety requirements: Closed-toed shoes must be worn, long sleeves and pants recommended. Avoid wearing baggy clothes and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair! Instructor will go over PPE (personal protective equipment), but safety glasses must be worn when working in the woodshop. Earplugs/ recommended when using loud machinery. Masks/respirators will be provided and strongly encouraged for use during dusty tasks. All safety equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own selection of PPE if you have it.
Date/Time: Two weeknight sessions are available this month.
This class will be on: Tuesday, December 3rd from 7:00pm-9:00pm
**As the dates are close together, please make sure you have registered for the class that best fits your schedule!Instructor: Cass Griger
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirement: Must be 13+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $30 for non-members, $25 for HackPGH members. If only accompanying a minor and not participating, cost is waived. Want to take this (or another?) class, but need low-income assistance? Please reach out privately to HackPGH’s Board President to discuss.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!Note: No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact HackPGH if you need to cancel within 48 hours of the class date.
Interested in becoming a member? Feel free to ask the instructor about HackPGH's standard shop tour and orientation, which covers logistics pertaining to the space and access to a special discount!
About our instructor: Cass (she/her) has been woodworking for nearly 8 years. Coming from humble, low-income beginnings, she found woodworking as a way to claim her confidence living independently and in style without breaking the bank. Cass is devoted to helping others expand their skills in all things wood and household DIY on a budget. She feels woodworking teaches us great lessons in patience, an appreciation for nature, and a deep love for the belief in ourselves to conquer difficult and fearful obstacles. Moreover, it’s a beautiful thing to fill our spaces with creative, functional expressions that free our soul and spirit. To follow Cass, you can find her on Instagram here!
- Japanese Woodworking: Make a Pair of Custom Chopsticks!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PAUSD 30.00
This short but fun and informational class will guide students through making a unique pair of chopsticks with the use of traditional Japanese woodworking tools. Students will be led in refining a piece of locally sourced hardwoods into a purposeful, everyday tool. Maple and walnut blanks will be available to choose from. Participants can size the chopsticks with their needs and preferences in mind, and choose between square or rounded edges. In the end, each student will take home a custom pair of chopsticks and a wood conditioner containing beeswax, mineral oil, and vitamin E to maintain the health of their finished piece(s).
No woodworking experience is needed - come as you are! Students will leave with an understanding and safety training on the following:
- Lumber (species, selection, handling)
- Hand Saw
- Kanna / Hand Planes
- Applying finish
- Maintenance and care of finished chopsticks
Structure: This class will involve one 2-hour group session. Bathrooms and beverages are available on premises. All supplies provided by HackPGH.
Safety requirements: Closed-toed shoes must be worn, long sleeves and pants recommended. Avoid wearing baggy clothes and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair! Instructor will go over PPE (personal protective equipment), but safety glasses must be worn when working in the woodshop. Earplugs/ recommended when using loud machinery. Masks/respirators will be provided and strongly encouraged for use during dusty tasks. All safety equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own selection of PPE if you have it.
Date/Time: Two weeknight sessions are available this month.
This class will be on: Thursday, December 5th from 7:00pm-9:00pm
**As the dates are close together, please make sure you have registered for the class that best fits your schedule!Instructor: Cass Griger
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirement: Must be 13+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $30 for non-members, $25 for HackPGH members. If only accompanying a minor and not participating, cost is waived. Want to take this (or another?) class, but need low-income assistance? Please reach out privately to HackPGH’s Board President to discuss.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!Note: No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact HackPGH if you need to cancel within 48 hours of the class date.
Interested in becoming a member? Feel free to ask the instructor about HackPGH's standard shop tour and orientation, which covers logistics pertaining to the space and access to a special discount!
About our instructor: Cass (she/her) has been woodworking for nearly 8 years. Coming from humble, low-income beginnings, she found woodworking as a way to claim her confidence living independently and in style without breaking the bank. Cass is devoted to helping others expand their skills in all things wood and household DIY on a budget. She feels woodworking teaches us great lessons in patience, an appreciation for nature, and a deep love for the belief in ourselves to conquer difficult and fearful obstacles. Moreover, it’s a beautiful thing to fill our spaces with creative, functional expressions that free our soul and spirit. To follow Cass, you can find her on Instagram here!
