I have experimented with low-fire wood kilns of various types since 1992 after studying them in eastern Europe and in Mexico. Working with a filmmaker, I produced several documentaries in Mexico covering low-fire wood kilns among other topics.  Though I am fluent in lowfire wood firing processes and wished to use them, the amount of smoke pollution wood kilns create is a perpetuation of the age-old smoke pollution problem caused by woodfiring potters in an urban environment. In 2005 I became a certified Permaculture Designer and since then I have contributed to a number of environmental projects, with an eye toward fostering nature’s cycles and lowering my energy footprint both in the home and studio. Smokeless rocket cooking and heating were part of my permaculture training. Upon moving to Massachusetts, I began experimenting with the same technology to fire a kiln. I am indebted to Chris McClellan and Rodney Morgan who build rocket heaters professionally. We have refined the rocket firebox design as well as our kiln modifications so it will be as useful as possible for ceramists. The goal is that it creates firing access and opportunity that one can do just about anywhere: in an urban driveway, at an art center, or in an off-grid studio.

 

The best rocket kiln design we have come up with so far is built of upcycled materials that includes items such as an old electric kiln, 50-75 firebricks (also can come from another old electric kiln) and an insulated chimney. The use of small diameter wood in a specially designed chamber, causes a very fast, clean firing, smoke-free firing, though it is possible to create reduction. All the details are available on the free linked instruction PDF below and follow all the discussions about this at the “Wood Fired Rocket Kiln Project” Facebook Group where the same plans are also available under the “files” tab. Use this or any kiln design plans with caution and at your own risk. This is a living document and will be amended and updated from time to time as we find ways to improve it. Plans and Instructions for the Crossdraft, Downdraft, and Updraft models.