Rocket Kiln Build & Fire Workshops at my Massachusetts Studio
In these exciting, Rocket Kiln building and firing workshops, students will be introduced to the wood-fired Rocket Kiln. Participants will assemble a Rocket Kiln firebox, modify a discarded electric kiln shell, stack the kiln with their pieces, and participate in a minimum of two Rocket Kiln firings: one cone 10 and one cone 6 soda.
Under the guidance of Lisa Orr, one of the originators of the Rocket Kiln, we will build a Rocket Kiln start-to-finish on day one while practice firing an existing Rocket filled with test pieces. On day two we will fire the newly constructed kiln.
Workshop participants should plan to bring 20 cup-sized bisqued pieces suitable for cone 6-10 and up to 20 test tiles. We might not fire all of them but extra is better! Participants are welcome to bring their own glazes or glaze ahead of time! Some studio glazes will be available. While we will be building under a kiln shed, please dress warmly and know that parts of the process can be done indoors.
Participants will gain the ability to build and fire a Rocket Kiln of their own. Permaculture meets ceramics in the low-wood, low-emission firing technology of the Rocket Kiln, based on the smokeless Rocket Stove technology. All temperatures up to cone 10 can be achieved in a few hours using an upcycled electric kiln shell atop an efficiently designed firing chamber. Rocket Kilns use one-fourth or less of the fuel typically used in a traditional wood firing. For fuel, the kiln uses one dry disassembled pallet per hour, or other suitable kindling, and because it fires with no visible smoke, a Rocket Kiln can be placed in an urban driveway, art center, or off-grid studio.
LOCATION: Lisa Orr Pottery Studio in Northborough, MA
WHAT TO BRING: 20 cup-sized pieces bisqued and up to 20 test tiles suitable for cone 6-10, work gloves, and a respirator.
FOOD: Snacks and beverages will be provided. Please bring your own lunch, or stop by the deli at the nearby farmer's market!
PRICE: $350
Full refund up to one week prior to the start of the event.
TWO DATES AVAILABLE:
November 20-22, 2026
ARRIVAL: 10am Friday November 20, 2026
DEPARTURE: 12:30pm Sunday November 22, 2026
OR
December 11-13, 2026
ARRIVAL: 10am Friday December 11, 2026
DEPARTURE: 12:30pm Sunday December 13, 2026