HackPGH upcoming events

Intro to Knife Forging: Make a Brut de Forge Knife! (June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Class description:
Learn 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.

Instructor: Benjamin Kranking

Cost: $180, $165 for HackPGH Members

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!

Date and Time: Saturday, June 20th 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.

Class size: Two (2) students

Learn the CNC w/Andre: HackPGH Members-only Training (June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Learn the basics of HackPGH's CNC with Andre! Topics covered:

Basics of planning and generating G-Code using VCarve Pro software**
Proper use of our 4'x8' MakerFab CNC
Safety, Maintenance, and Cleanup techniques

Students of this class will use the CNC router to engrave a pre-fab wooden sign.

**No experience with CAD? Want more experience learning design for the CNC? Take "Design for the CNC Router w/Aaron!" Contact the Board if you are interested in that class.

Date and time: Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Requirements: Active HackPGH Membership required. No experience necessary.

Safety Information: Safety glasses and ear protection will be provided. Wear closed-toed shoes and tie any long hair back for your safety.

VCarve Invites: After completing this training session, participants will receive an invite and code to join HackPGH's VCarve Makerspace account. This will allow members to download access the VCarve Trial software at home. Designs can easily be uploaded to the makerspace account, then accessed and edited later on the five VCarve Pro computers at the shop (CNC laptop and the four computer lab "unit" PCs).

Instructor: Andre Schrock

Cost: $50. HackPGH members only!

Payment is due at time of registration. Contact the Board if you wish to pay with cash.
No-shows will not be refunded.
If you must cancel, please email info(at)hackpittsburgh.org at least 48 hours before the day of class so we can activate the waitlist.

Class Size: 4 people

Age Requirements: Adults only, 18+

MIG Welding 101: Make Your Own Chain Lamp! (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join 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 long break for a group takeout lunch. Lunch will be provided, so please advise 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.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 27 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

Cost: $165, $150 for HackPGH Members

You must register and pay to save your spot in the class!
Contact us if you want to pay with cash. If payment has not been received within four days of the class session, your registration will be voided.
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