Learn how to Build a Rocket Barrel Oven in Melbourne

by Event Contributor · November 17, 2018

Date(s) - November 17, 2018 - November 18, 2018
Time - 12:00 am

This is a third-party event not organised by Permablitz. We've added it because we reckon it looks pretty good!

Location - Fawkner

During this engaging, fun and hands-on weekend you will learn how to build two different kinds of Rocket Combustion Ovens with alternative technology wizards and teachers Joel Meadows and Tim Barker – what we call a black oven made from a salvaged house oven and what we call a white oven made by recycling two used oil drums. You will leave with the knowledge and skills to build these things for yourself and all your friends (who will definitely want one when they see yours). We believe rocket barrel ovens are the future of outdoor baking, and that the idea of building a wood and time-hungry cob-oven in your backyard is getting rather old hat. Rocket barrel ovens use a handful of twigs (rather than a barrowload of wood), are up to heat in 10-15 minutes (rather than 3 hours) and burn cleanly, meaning zero smoke once going.

Join us at Leanda and Al’s place in Fawkner, Melbourne for a fun, compelling and hands on introduction to rocket combustion, as explained here by Tim:

A workshop that will amaze you as to the possibilities of inventions and applications of the knowledge imparted to us. Incredibly fun, empowering and engaging – loved it (participant feedback)

In this two-day workshop we’ll also cover:

Micro-rocket stoves that can fit in a bike pannier (perfect for camping)
TLUD (top-lit updraft) stoves
Rammed sawdust stoves
Hyper-efficient solar-cooking

You don’t need to be able to a whiz on the tools to attend – we’ll teach you basic tool use along the way – any one can do this workshop.

Both Joel and Tim are excellent educators – caring, inclusive, and consistent (participant feedback)

Workshop includes a free e-copy of our own rocket oven ebook and a link to step-by-step video and photo documentation of a build. You can catch a flavour of some related resources here. The tutors, once again, will be Joel Meadows and Tim Barker.

Bring your own lunch for saturday and pizza toppings to share for sunday lunch rocket pizza feast (we’ll supply bases and sauce and cheese). We’ll provide snacks for morning and arvo tea both days.

A well-rounded workshop with just enough theory and great practical tutelage – highly recommended to anyone (participant feedback)

Here are some more testimonials to give you a feel for what you’re in for:

“I feel I have gained a great understanding of the process and am excited to build our own – loved mastering the angle grinder!”

“Great for people hoping to learn some practical building skills and wood-heating basics. Foundational workshop that has given me confidence to tackle my own rocket design adventures!”

“I learned a lot more than I expected. I feel confident to build an oven myself and am now comfy with tools I wasn’t sure how to use. The friendly happy atmosphere made it very relaxing”

“Fantastic hands-on weekend – feel confident to now make something on my own”

“Awesome workshop – nice group, good size, great people, knowledgeable teachers, excellent food. Communal meals brought group together which was lovely”

“Thanks so much I really enjoyed becoming familiarised with an important technology important to the future. I can’t think of how it could be better”