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- Intro to CAD: Learn the Basics of FreeCAD!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$45.00
FreeCAD is one of the most popular and advanced CAD (Computer-Aided Design) & BIM (Building Information Modeling) software programs. It is free, open-source software with a huge user-supported development community. FreeCAD can be used for a variety of applications – design, architecture, prototyping, engineering, art, 3D-printing, and more. This class will provide information and experience to lessen the learning curve for using FreeCAD and give an introduction to the capabilities of the software. Students will learn the following topics:
- User interface & workbenches
- Sketches, solids & dress up
- Parametric control
- Export for rapid prototyping
Prerequisites: No experience necessary. This class is aimed for complete beginners aged 13+!
What to Bring:
- An idea, layout, simple prototype, or potential 3D print file that you'd like to create in CAD; and
- It is recommended that you bring a computer or laptop with FreeCAD 1.0 (RC2) installed on your machine. Use the link below to download the appropriate version of this free software for Windows, MacOS, or Linux. Click here to download FreeCAD 1 (RC2)
Don't have a laptop or portable PC? No problem! HackPGH has six lab computers that can be used for this class. Please select the "I Need A Computer" option when registering to reserve one of our PCs.
Disclaimer: This class will not cover all aspects, features, or uses of FreeCAD. It will not teach advanced modeling techniques. Because time will be tight, having the software loaded and running on your machine will be greatly appreciated.
Cost: $45 for non-members, $40 for HackPGH members
Click here to register and pay for the class!Note: No-shows will NOT be refunded. Please contact HackPGH within 42 hours of the class time if you need to cancel!
Date & Time: Saturday, November 30th from 1:30pm-4:30pm
Instructor: Anool M.
Location info: HackPGH is in the basement of our building. Click here to see a map of our location, entrances, parking options, and nearby public transit stops.
- Japanese Woodworking: Make a Pair of Custom Chopsticks!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$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!
- Learn to Solder: Make & Take a Colorful Alarm Clock!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$50.00
Make a handmade decoration and gift for the holidays while learning a useful skill!
Description: This class is an introduction to soldering for the complete beginner or those who are feeling a "bit rusty" with their soldering skills. Our instructor 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, and all materials such as soldering irons, solder, and other tools will be provided.
Cost: $50 for non-members, $45 for HackPGH members. Be advised, no-shows will NOT be refunded. Please notify us if you cannot attend the class at least 48 hours before the class date.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY!Date and Time: Thursday, December 5th from 6:00pm-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)
Class limit: 8 students
How to find us: Click here to see a map of our building, entrances, parking options, and nearby public transit stops.
- Japanese Woodworking: Make a Pair of Custom Chopsticks!HackPGH, Pittsburgh, PA$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!
