Machine Shop

Come and check out HackPGH's Machine Shop

HackPGH Metal Shop, Pittsburgh’s premier community resource for metalworking enthusiasts and professionals alike! Our fully equipped shop provides everything you need to bring your metal fabrication projects to life, from precision machining and welding to grinding and finishing. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan looking to refine your craft, a hobbyist eager to learn new skills, or an inventor needing to prototype your latest creation, our diverse range of tools – including mills, lathes, welders, and plasma cutters – are accessible and ready for your next build. We’re committed to fostering a vibrant making community right here in Pittsburgh, offering an inspiring environment where creativity in metal knows no bounds.

Our Machine Shop features:

South Bend Heavy 10 Lathe (1957)

South Bend Heavy 10 Lathe (1957)
Status	Restored, active, and in use!
Cat no.	CL8187AB
Motor	1 (2?) HP
Table	42”
Swing over bed	10 ¾”
Swing over cross-slide	6 ⅝”
Features/Details	Eight spindle speeds ranging from 55 to 2200 rpm
Accessories	Quick-change tool-holding set including: Wedge-type Tool Post (#250-111) Turning and Facing Tool Holder, fits a bit up to 1/2″ (#250-101) Boring, Turning and Facing Tool Holder that fits a bit up to 1/2″; and round shank bit up to 7/16″ (#250-102) Heavy Duty Boring Bar Holder, fit 5/8″ and 3/4″ shank boring bars (#250-104) Parting Blade Tool Holder – uses 1/2″ high parting blades (#250-107); and Knurling and Turning Tool Holder (#250-110)
Manual	No “manual” but please read “How to Run a Lathe”
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off before independent use
Safety rules	Always replace cover after using the lathe

Bridgeport Series 1 J-Head Milling Machine (1964)

Bridgeport Series 1 J-Head Milling Machine (1964)
Status	Under re-construction
Model	73981
Spindle Horsepower	1 HP
Table	9.0” x 42.0”
Swing over bed	10 ¾”
Swing over cross-slide	6 ⅝”
Features/Details	Eight spindle speeds ranging from 80 – 2,720 RPM
Accessories
Manual (1964)	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off before independent use
Safety rules

Grizzly 20” Drill Press

Grizzly 20” Drill Press
Status	New in 2024, active and in use
Model	T33904
Motor	1.25 HP
Swing	20”
Features	LED light and laser guide
Accessories	6” drill press vise with slotted base
Manual	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off before independent use
Safety rules	Do not remove chips with bare hands as they are razor sharp, use either a brush or a pair of needle nose pliers for larger shavings. Never grab the spindle while in motion. Always use the vise, do not try to hold the workpiece with your hands.

Grizzly 4” x 5.5” Variable Speed Horizontal Metal-cutting Bandsaw

Grizzly 4” x 5.5” Variable Speed Horizontal Metal-cutting Bandsaw
Status	New in 2025, active and in use
Model	G0926
Motor	3/4 HP
Cutting capacity	Rectangular: 4” Round: 4.5”
Blade length	64.5”
Features	Cuts round or rectangular workpieces at speeds between 85-195 FPM, Variable speed dial, vise with movable and fixed jaws, adjustable work stop assets, automatic blade shutoff tab, portable platform with casters
Manual	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off before independent use
Safety rules

DeWALT 2” Magnetic Drill Press

DeWALT 2” Magnetic Drill Press
Status	New in 2024, active and in use
Model	DWE1622K
Motor	10-amp, two speed settings
Drill travel	4-⅜”
Accessories	½” Keyed chuck and ¾” Weldon Shank
Features	Overload protection, quick-change chuck system, magnetic self-feed cooling tank
Manual	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off before independent use
Safety rules

Grizzly Knife Grinder, Sander, and Buffer

Grizzly Knife Grinder, Sander, and Buffer
Status	On LOAN by Benjamin Kranking
Model	G1015
Motor	1 HP
Motor speed	1725 RPM
Belt length	2” x 72”
Belt speed	3600 FPM
Modifications	Custom platen arm
Features	0–90° tilting sanding arm, quick-release belt tensioner
Manual	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off by Ben Kranking in order to use
Safety rules

Evolution Chop Saw - 15”

Evolution Chop Saw – 15”
Status	Active
Model	ES380
Motor	2.4HP, 15amps
Blade diameter	14 inches
Blade speed	1450 rpm
Features	high-torque gearbox, powerful motor, and the ability to cut steel without excessive heat, burrs, or sparks. Currently fitted with a 66-tooth, mild steel blade
Manual	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off by Ben Kranking in order to use
Safety rules	Don’t run the saw with your face

Baldor 7” Bench Grinder

Baldor 7” Bench Grinder
Status	Active (est. manufacturer date 1982)
Model	7308
Motor	.5 HP
Speed	1500 rpm-1800 rpm
Power	3-phase, uses an adaptor!
Features	Suitable for heavy grinding and sharpening small tools
Information Packet	HackPGH local PDF copy here
Use Requirements	18+ (adults ONLY), Buddy required, must be trained or checked off by Ben Kranking in order to use
Safety rules

Beyond the impressive array of machinery, the HackPGH Metal Shop offers a supportive and collaborative space for Pittsburgh’s maker community. We regularly host workshops and training sessions designed to help you safely and effectively utilize our equipment, whether you’re interested in the lathe or basic sheet metal work. Join a network of passionate local makers, share knowledge, and collaborate on exciting projects. As a non-profit makerspace, our goal is to empower individuals to learn, create, and innovate with metal, making advanced metalworking accessible and affordable for everyone in the greater Pittsburgh area.