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With the joy of blacksmithing being recently rediscovered, many are looking for a quality blacksmith to learn from. Here at Platinum Star Forge we meet that need by offering hands-on classes for both children and adults where students will successfully build projects and gain foundational skills to pursue the art of blacksmithing.
Shop Address:
2386 Meander Run Rd. Locust Dale, VA. 22948
540-212-9555 (Taylor-Cell)
540-212-9440 (Christina-Office)
psforge.info@gmail.com or platinumstarforge.com
About Us
Platinum Star Forge is a small family owned business that was founded by Taylor Rood in 2019. Taylor has studied the art of blacksmithing since the age of 16 and has honed his skills over the last 16 years. He was first introduced to blacksmithing when he enrolled in a blacksmith class, much like we are offering today. A year later a man from Austria made an apprenticeship position available. At the time there were a handful of Austrians coming over to America to start their own companies and this was the perfect opportunity for Taylor to learn techniques that date back centuries. His apprenticeship continued for the next few years where he created projects from various materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper and gained the eye for creating various styles.
These classes serve as a wonderful opportunity for the next generation of blacksmiths to learn the century old techniques that are slowly being replaced by modern day technology, and while Platinum Star Forge utilizes modern machinery the heart of true blacksmithing is always there.
What to Wear/Bring
All students, regardless of class type, must wear closed-toe shoes.
Show and Tell
Since this is mostly an observational class students may choose to wear shorts or dresses if they desire.
We will be outside so please bear this in mind.
All Other Classes
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. We strongly encourage a work type boot as this will better protect the foot in the case that a hammer, metal, or other heavy item is dropped on the student’s foot. If wearing a type of tennis shoe DO NOT wear one with a mesh type top. If a hot piece of metal makes contact with this type of material it will burn through VERY quickly and could burn the foot
Safety goggles/glasses.
Theses can be found cheaply at Harbor Freight
Ear plugs
These can be found as Harbor Freight and Walmart
Another option are noise canceling ear muffs are effective for blacksmithing but your student may find it difficult to wear these and the safety goggles/glasses.
Only Leather or Hide gloves are acceptable
Clothing
Wear non-synthetic shirts such as cotton, silk, or wool
Do not wear synthetic clothing such as polyester, acrylic and rayon. Synthetic clothing is known to melt onto the skin rather than burn away, thus making any potential burn that much worse.
Denim or cargo work pants are recommended.
No jewelry or anything that can get caught.
Water and food are not provided. We strongly recommend that you bring your own.
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Waiver of Liability for Guardians
I acknowledge that my child will partake in a Blacksmithing class with Platinum Star Forge.
I understand that my child must come dressed for the job. If they are wearing any items that may pose a potential danger they may be asked to remove the items. If they are wearing clothing, jewelry, or shoes that are not safe they will be excused from the class and they can reschedule for another lesson at a later time.
I understand that there are inherent dangers in Blacksmithing and I accept the risks to my child’s safety. These risks include but are not limited to: burns, damage to the eyes, respiratory system, hearing loss, bruises or broken bones. Since I understand these risks, I will not hold Platinum Star Forge, or any of it’s employees responsible for any injury, harm, or death to my child.
I agree that my child will follow all safety instructions provided by Platinum Star Forge’s blacksmith and if they are behaving in a manner that poses a danger to themselves or others, such as horseplay, they will be excused from the class and no refund will be given.
I will notify my child if they see any conditions that appear to be dangerous, they will notify the blacksmith instructor immediately. I understand that my child is responsible for their own safety at all times when using Platinum Star Forge’s facility and equipment.
In the case of an emergency or injury, no matter how minor, I agree that my child will notify the instructor immediately.
I agree that my child will be a responsible guest of Platinum Star Forge at all times. My child will respect the facility and equipment and participate in clean-up activities as requested.
Only Platinum Star Forge’s blacksmith is permitted to operate machinery, gases, flames or any other equipment, unless the student is instructed to do so by our blacksmith, in which case they cannot operate any of the said items without supervision from our blacksmith.
I agree that my child will not enter any restricted areas or other buildings without the instructor’s permission. I also promise my child will not remove any property that does not belong to them from the facility.
My child will not use any equipment that they have not received training on from our blacksmith instructor, nor will they use any equipment or tools without the instructor’s permission and supervision.
I understand that the intent of my child’s class is to improve their skills in blacksmithing. They will use the right tool for the job, and be respectful of the tools and equipment that is lent to them.
Please know that we have animals on our property: horses, pigs, a calf, and other small farm animals. We ask that you do not pet the animals without asking first as we have electrified fences which are used to contain the animals, and while they are all very friendly and kind biting could still occur as they are animals. Also, please do not feed them without getting an approved treat as some of them have dietary restrictions. Thank you for your understanding.
Student(s) Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Age(s):______________________________________________________
Guardian (Print): _______________________________________________
Guardian (Sign): _______________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________ Class: ______________________________________________________________________
(Only one form per FAMILY is necessary)
Media Release Form
I give Platinum Star Forge permission to use photos or videos which contain images of my child or children for the purpose of advertising. Said items may used on, but not limited to, Facebook, platinumstarforge.com, advertising, fairs or festivals. At no time will Platinum Star Forge personally identify anyone in the photos or images and we will not release any further personal information to third parties.
I give permission for media use___________________________
I do not give permission for media use ______________________________
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: __________________