Building & Firing a Rocket Kiln!

Permaculture meets ceramics in the low-wood, low emission firing technology of the Rocket Kiln! Based on the smokeless Rocket Stove technology this kiln fires all temperatures up to ^10 oxidation and can be achieved in a few hours using a repurposed kiln atop an efficiently-designed firing chamber. Join as for this half-day virtual workshop to learn more about the Rocket Kiln and how to build one for your own studio!  

Professional potter Lisa Orr, alongside rocket heater designer Rodney Morgan, will demonstrate how the low-wood, low-smoke Rocket Kiln can be used for all temperatures in oxidation, as well as for getting some traditional woodfire flashing.  This kiln’s uniquely efficient “j-tube” firing configuration was developed based on Guatemalan cooking stove improvements invented in the 1980s, which mitigate smoke and wood shortage problems. Rocket stoves and heaters have since been spreading worldwide – a kiln is the next logical step utilizing this simple, robust technology. 

Using small-diameter wood stoked vertically, the rocket kiln’s combustion features turbulent air currents that cleanly fires wares. While producing no visible smoke, it is possible to get reduction and some flashing using certain techniques. Other ecological advantages of the rocket kiln system is the re-use of a waste kiln that uses one-fourth or less of the fuel typically used to fire. For example, the split up slats of 4 pallets can be used to get to cone 6 in about 4 hours. A potter with access to a few firebricks, a kiln shell, a simple portable chimney, and a source of dry kindling can finish small loads on their own schedule using this elegant environmental design. Like a portable raku kiln, it can be placed in an urban driveway, art center, or off-grid studio.  The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate the assembly of a typical downdraft rocket kiln while answering questions, and then load and fire the kiln to 04. At the same time, we will be high firing another kiln to the side. Pdf plans will be offered, with the goal of creating an affordable accessible firing option to all clay artists with this green, low-resource kiln.

There will be a one-hour lunch break from 11am-12pm. 

This workshop is suitable for artists of all levels! 

The recording will be available for viewing following editing. For more information on editing times, please visit our FAQ page.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you online!