Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Hi Jon,

That's an absolutely beautiful, albeit impressive piece of tobacciana/furniture.

Good luck on the rest of the project. You have many inmate going bonkers waiting for the "finished product".

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

WOW, that is awesome

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Not much has happened over the Christmas break but I thought I would add a brief update.

The Spanish cedar lining started this week. It's a frame and panel style lining with the frames providing solid attachment for the shelves and the vertical panels floating in the frames to allow for movement.

Here are some of the frames (the panel pieces haven't been cut yet)
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1078

A lacquer finish was applied to the main walnut cabinet. Here's a picture showing the finish and one of the Spanish cedar frames.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1077

Dave has to jump on to another project for a few weeks so nothing new will be happening with the woodworking for a while. I'll be laying out and testing the electronics over the next few weeks.

Thanks for looking. I can't wait until this thing is done.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

such a bada$$ build! :dr

Thanks for the update!! I think I speak for a lot of BOTLs when I say I can't wait to see this thing full! :ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Yeah it is... I can't wait to see it finished... :ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Hey, thanks. It’s nice to see it finally coming together after months of planning and hard work. My current stash won’t come close to filling it, not by a long shot, but I’m going to have fun spending the next 5-10 years trying.:ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Well after a week or so off things are back on track and coming along nicely.

The cedar lining for the top, bottom and sides is finished. It's actually a separate box that sits inside the main cabinet.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1237
Here you can see the 'box' within a 'box' with a gap for the insulation and wiring.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1236
This is the start of the main control panel with the temp/humidity control as well as the fans, lights and a low water warning light.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1235
Here's an overall shot
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1238

We're going to add the insulation and start running wires next week and then it's on to the back panel, the shelves, and the doors. We're shooting for a March 16th completion date but we'll see how things go.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

What kind of insulation are you putting in? I would think with the cooling unit and humidity involved in this project you would want to be careful about what you're using so as not to get mold from condensation in the insulation.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Looking great! :tu

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

wow simply amazing. I tried my hand at making a cabinet but it was nothing compaired to this. Really well done :)

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

straight up ridiculous, your a lucky man

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

That thing is crazy. Nice work man

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

That thing is friggin' sweet! :ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

geezus, that is frikin sweet!! thanks for the update!!

:dr

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

yep, that DOESN'T suck!......Sweeeeeeeeet! :ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Thanks for the update, it is looking great.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I'm using 1.5" thick rigid insulation. I hadn't consider condensation in the insulation to be an issue since it's isolated by the Spanish cedar. Are you thinking condensation will form in the insulation gap due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside? Should I maybe add poly to the warm side between the insulation and the walnut?

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

That was my thought. I hate to be the a-hole who points out the problem without having a solution, but unfortunately that's the situation.

Also, have you considered using expanding foam for insulation? I would think it would fill up odd size spaces and gaps better than rigid insulation. It will make things more air tight and therefore your refrigeration unit will be more efficient. You'll probably have to let it sit for a while in order to out gas, but nothing done right is quick. :tu

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

thats amazing. cant wait to see the finish product

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Nice work! She's a beauty!

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I just ran through the thread, you must have the patience of a saint if you have any fingernails left!!! I'd have eaten through mine by now, that's for sure! What a great project, looks awesome!

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I considered using the expanding foam but since I'm running by wires in that space as well I would't be able to get at the wiring if I needed to in the future.

I wonder how Aristocrat and Avallo deal with this issue? I'm pretty sure they use rigid insulation in their cabinets.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

It hasen't been easy. I've been trying to figure out all the electronics so that's kept me busy. I started drawings and ordering material back in August so it will be about 6 months start to finish, but well worth the wait.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I would think that if you were to wrap the rigid insulation with a heavy plastic and seal all the seams of the plastic with some sort of heavy tape, like the tape that they use on Tyvek house wrap, you should be alright. Kind of like gift wrapping it.

You might also be able to get rigid insulation that is impervious to absorbing moisture which would solve the problem.

Kick ass project by the way.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

That is beautiful work.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Don't over analyze the moisture issue and make it worse.
To better understand the issue, here is an excerpt from the Dept. of energy consumer’s guide on foam board;

"In cold weather, warm inside air containing water vapor can get past the wall finish and insulation, condensing inside the colder wall cavity. In hot, humid climates the same thing can happen, just in the reverse direction. Humid outdoor air in the summer can condense inside cool, air conditioned wall cavities. If enough of this happens and the water cannot escape, wood rot, mold, and other moisture-related problems can occur. For this reason, building codes often require installing a vapor diffusion retarder on the warmest side of the wall cavity."

The keys to your project, if installing a vapor barrier is to determine;

• What is the warmest side of the box?
• Will there be airspace between the 2 units?
• Will there be adequate places for the moisture to escape on its own?

You can make it worse if you trap it in a void and it cannot escape.
Also check with the supplier where you buy the foam,
some already contain a plastic coating that will act as a barrier.
I would just place that side against the cedar side of the cabinet and let the rest of the cabinet breath to keep from rotting.

Keep in mind the concern with moisture in this application is not the amount of moisture in the cabinet vs. outside (cedar will do most of the work containing it if installed properly) it's the temperature difference inside vs. outside where condensation will be created.

In most case unless its in an extreme location it's not going to be a problem.

Chas

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Great work Chas, I need you to write my next pre-nup:D

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I recommend you contact Bob at Aristocrat:

www.aristocrathumidors.com

His phone number and email is listed on the website. He is a really good guy and I am sure he would be willing to help you out.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

I cant swear to it, I cant swear the cabinet I saw was his but the guy said it was, but one I saw did not use a vapor barrier.
A guy local dropped his moving and knew I was into woodworking and asked me to look at fixing it.

Some wood glue and clamps was all he needed and I saw no vapor barrier at all.

Chas

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Thanks for the great info Chas. Since temperature is really only an issue for me 3 months of the year and the maximum temperature difference will only be about 10 degrees I'm thinking vapor barrier might be overkill.

There is a small hole in the bottom of the cabinet for the power cord. I was going fill it with foam insulation but I might leave it open for moisture to escape.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Looks like it's going to be outstanding.

Wish I could just use a hammer and a nail :bh

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

We got the lights mounted and hooked up to a battery for testing.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1377
Here's a close up of one the the lights.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1376
Some frames for mounting the circulation fans.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1378
Cooling units
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1379

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Absolutely freakin' awesome, Jon...

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

holy chit! Looking really sweet!:ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

this is looking VERY nice!

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

:tpd:

That thing is really starting to look DAMN GOOD! :dr

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

That is looking good. One step closer to filling it with smokes.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

wow is all I can say. Very impressive.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

sick, this is the sickest build ever

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Thanks for all the positive comments. I finally have a few more photos to add. Here's one of the back panel.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1516
The cooling units and electronics have been recessed into the cabinet. They take up some space inside but it makes the back nice and clean and allows the cabinet to be placed a few inches away from a wall.

A close up of the electronics. I still need to hook everything up.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1515

Front view.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1517
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...pictureid=1518

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Nothing to say other than that is incredible.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

:tu That looks outstand!!! That is some amazing wood working skills with such clean construction also.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Top :tu notch!

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Very nice work, those pics bring back a lot of memories of building mine.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Agreed. By far.

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

that is awesome, can't wait to see it filled up :ss

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

+1

:dr

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

wow that is a nice one.

how u going to get it in your house:D

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

Wow, just wow.

So how long do you think it will take to season it?

Re: Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project
 

It's going to be a real beast for sure. We'll probably build a crate for it and use an appliance dolly to move it.