Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

So a new co-worker and friend of mine Darrell happens to have experience building cabinetry / jewelry boxes / display cases ect.... I rough sketched plans to him and he became very enthusiastic about our project to build my dream humidor. I will do my best to describe the dimensions and design and I have/ and will inevitably have more questions... I'd love any and everyone's feedback in this endeavor....

DESCRIPTION: (to the best of my abilities)

The Humidor internal dimensions are Height:17in Width:18in Depth: 8in
The Humidor (more or less) consists of 3 parts,
--Base: containing 1 accessory Drawer (non humidified), Humidification bay, slotted overlay, and 8in wall for box storage, the Wall is of single slot and groove design upon which the next layer rests.
--Single storage: 5in wall with stops that allow top portion of humidor to be removed to allow direct access to box storage,this portion will contain 2 trays with the dimensions 2.5in x 18in x 8in
--Lid : Humidification bay of 1 inch for bead storage resting on slotted panel directly over single storage, then a 1 in hardwood top.

QUESTIONS: (HELP!)

1) Anyone know of a good place to get wood? (ha)
2) Does the inside HAVE to be lined with Spanish Cedar? or will just Cedar work? How thick of a lining?
3) Darrell thinks a 1/4 inch wall, and tongue and groove seals separating the compartments will hold humidity, anyone know/have anything to say about this?
4) What beads should I use? everyone on here seems viciously loyal to their bead brands.

ANY AND ALL CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS WELCOMED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Thanks Guys,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

If youre going to have a custom humidor built, GO BIGGER.

You'll thank me later.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

First off just wanna say 2 things. 1 the project seems like a grat idea I cant wait to see how it turns out. 2nd I love Sylva. I just moved back to Florida from Brevard well Rosman to be exact but few know that lil place. I wish I was still in the upstate area.

As far as your second question is concerned spanish cedar would be the BEST to use. It last longer and holds the humidity much better. I myself have one of each. I would say that if you are gonna go for it then do it right and go for the spanish.

As far as wood is concerned there is a really good place here in orlando to get some. I will check into it on the morrow and let you know prices and availability. I dont know if they have a web site or not but its ok because you know ppl here lol.

Good luck and cant wait to see pics!!!!

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

exactly!

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Thanks Everyone for the Help & input... Yea Squishy get back to me on that if you don't mind. I appreciate the help!

As for going bigger... This is already a 6 to 7 x jump from where I am now... how big is too big? and how big is really necessary?

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

If you build it...... They will come..... Meaning you will fill it up... So make something Big enough to last you a few years.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

6 x7 is great... if youre talking feet!! :r

Seriously, go bigger.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

That really depends. How long have you been "seriously" smoking cigars. How many cigars do you smoke per week on average?

Do you plan on collecting, and or ageing cigars?


There is not hard and fast formula, its different for every person.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Maybe a cigar a day, sometimes 2 if i really feel it. But i admit I have a bit of a hoarding problem. I keep one stick from every blend I smoke telling myself someday I'll write a review on it... I am just waiting to finish the preparation of my cigar journal/blog.... so with my holding onto one of several brands I am already brimming 2 desk humi's way above capacity, but with robustos mostly....

I think my dimensions should hold about a 3 month supply with the ability to age specific sticks if i wanted to... or i could move ageing sticks out to one of the other desk humi's I already have...

I really want a wineador but my funds just wont cover it... Darrell says he can get this done just south of a hundred bucks.... throw in 50 for beads and an agreed upon "steak dinner" for Darrell's efforts and I think I can get this done for around 175... Which seems reasonable when i estimate the dimensions will hold around 400 sticks.... but thats a rough guess.... (anyone have a different opinion? )

So I don't know, Thoughts? Feedback? It all helps the cause....


Thanks Md4958,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

LoL ZaneG, Cracking me up... Maybe if I build it big enough the casino across the road will host a herf if I keep hounding them...

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Moe is wise.



1) www.woodfinder.com
2) Spanish Cedar and Cedar are two totally different animals. Spanish Cedar is actually a hardwood in the mahogany family, cedar is a softwood in the cypress family. Spanish cedar gets it's name from the aroma of it's wood when cut, and that's where the similarities end. Cedar is so pungent that it will likely overpower the natural flavors/aromas your cigars within less than a year, possibly as quickly as within a few months. It's also debatable how well cedar holds a humidity range that is ideal for cigars. There can also be issues with the soft wood leaking sap. Best bet, just get Spanish cedar or mahogany to line the humidor.
3) I've seen it accomplished with a thinner piece, so 1/4" is probably fine.
4) Either hcmbeads.com or Heartfelt.com They work a bit differently but produce similar results. Each has some unique characteristics, either will serve you well.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

:tpd:

Do NOT use regular cedar for a humidor. Spanish cedar (mahogany) is the way to go.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

I'll side with everyone else on this i've only been into cigars for over a year and i have one 120 count desktop, one 16 bottle wine cooler and it keeps growing.... Good luck in your build!!

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Go BIG, had my buddy build me a 200 ct. desk top, it is full along with a cooler. Here is my one off desk top :tu

Attachment 12332

Attachment 12333

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Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

As stated, Bigger is Better.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Awesome pictures, Awesome Build... Anyone else have any personally crafted humidors they wanna share? I'm always looking for design ideas/ improvements...

So I get it... Bigger... My second design looks less like a humidor and more like an old dinner cart with caster wheels, and additional tray, and 8in more depth and height, my only concern is that once I get this thing built it will take a year to fill it... lol

My paycheck comes this Thursday, and we are going parts/supply shopping saturday, so I have to make a decision soon...

Any words of advice or encouragement always appreciated,

Thanks everyone & Good Smoke,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Absolutely, 100% use spanish cedar, and not "regular" cedar!

And I would recommend 1/2" thick, personally. Most cheap Chinese-manufactured humidors utilize 1/4" and it just isn't thick enough to do the job.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

check and see if you have a woodcraft store in your area


http://www.woodcraft.com/Stores/Default.aspx


i made mine out of black walnut and used 1/4" SC to line it.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Unfortunately there aren't any near me. Thanks for the help though...

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

there's one in knoxville and one in greenville.

not too sure how far they are from you.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Knoxville might be the way to go... thanks GTsetGO....

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Let's put a huge ditto on that. A store in Mt. Juliet, TN lined their walk in humidor in American Red Cedar. I really feel sorry for the loss of product when that aroma kills them.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

ya knoxville is the closest unless you want to wait until im in the Atlanta area i can go to Hardwoods Inc. they are pretty cheap.
or you can try this
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=569&rrt=1

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

much, much bigger.

Look for specialty/hard wood stores in your area. You can order it online as well, from the links provided. But, Im betting you have a source in the viscinity.

much bigger... yeah....

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

So let me start by saying I am in no way an architect...

But to show my plans better I drew the following plans... anyone who cares to look them over and provide feedback it will be greatly appreciated...

As for the bigger, much bigger comments, as the plans show this is a Modular system that can be expanded by adding extra tray housings, as it stands now, this set up is a good 7 times bigger then what I am currently dealing with so I feel it will do me well for now, but I did take your expansion recommendations into account and when space starts running low I will add space as needed.

So without further adieu, Here are my plans...

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7...78f0b98f21.jpg Plans- Front View by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7...9d93b21a66.jpg Plans- Side View by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7...ef88d432f1.jpg Plans- Interior View by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

Once again, I know these drawings are crude sketches but hopefully this will give you an idea of what I am thinking... let me know what you think! :)

Thanks Everyone,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

I am also open to suggestions on what the outside hardwood should be, seems locally we can find some red oak and a decent price.... Thoughts?

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

think of the tongue and groove portion for expansion as a "bee keepers hive" that allows for additional storage to be added... Maybe I should call it the bee hive humidor....lol

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

I appreciate and will heed this warning, no way I am going to spend my hard earned moolah to ruin my sticks, that is why I am asking for everyone's input, and I appreciate yours....

Thanks,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

I know that you posted this a few days ago, and I appreciate the input, Definitely won't use regular cedar... but that's not why I reposted/quoted this,

I just wanted to say thanks for reading and your input pnoon, from what I can tell your a very active member on here, and one of the Eleven (which I take to mean your one of the creators) and I appreciate your time in my newb endeavors...

Any more helpful hints or words of advice are greatly appreciated, and check back often as I will be loading pictures as the actual construction begins... Darrel and I are going shopping for supplies tomorrow so construction will begin soon!!!

Thanks again pnoon / Everyone,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

looks good man, im excited to see this bad boy when you start working on it.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

My pleasure, Rob.
While I am one of the owners and admins of Cigar Asylum, that does not make me any more of an expert than anyone else. There are others more knowledgable and competent in the construction arts. I just happen to know that regular cedar is bad for humidors.

I do look forward to the pictures.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

In the last pic....I would not do the 45 degree "tray supports" personally, I think it would add unnecessary awkwardness to putting in and removing cigars,boxed or unboxed. I would just use a small (1/2") square stock type runners to support tray on.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Looking forward to seeing the progress. :tu

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

If I am understanding your support frames, they would waste some valuable real estate. You may want to just run a piece flush with the side wall :2 Or even just a square dowel in each corner to rest on.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Thanks for the advice jluck & Blak Smyth,

I know nothing about woodworking, so I originally thought those cross-members would be necessary for structural strength, After taking your recomendations to Darrell he also feels the cross members are unnecessary... Glad I posted my plans for review by you guys... :)

Thanks again,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

VERY QUICK QUESTION,

Does anyone know if red oak is an appropriate wood for the exterior? the only reason I ask is because Darrell says it is decently priced and we are giving thought to using it for the exterior... I ask because I don't want any smells or tastes to be transferred through the inlay wood to my sticks, and once again, I know nothing about wood or woodworking....

Thanks everyone for your help, a few quick replies to this question would be great seeing how Darrell and I are going shopping in about 4 hours...

Looking forward to your input,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Exterior finish is purely aesthetic (as far as I know), Use something that you like to look at.:tu

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

From what I've seen, it seems that you can use just about any wood you want for the exterior.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

So 60 dollars later I have these 2 pieces of red oak for an exterior... the local Lowe's doesn't sell spanish cedar (surprise) so I will have to find the inlay online...

Anyone care to help me price match square footage of spanish cedar from the online sources you know?

Seriously Guys, thanks for all your help, input and support....

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/7...ba852347a6.jpg Future humi by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Does your buddy sell these-- pm me if he would do another one for a fellow LEO

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

This is his and my first build.... once mine is done I'm sure he'd be open to making another one.... if you are commenting on the pictures in your quote that would be Remo_5_0 's humidor and his buddy... so you'd have to ask him....

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

:fp

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

So... a few days have past and I NOW have return plans from Darrell,

He envisions a 21" x 22" x 9" monster... :) His plans might be a little hard to see from the camera, But I am excited...

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7...af86a8d5_b.jpg Overall & bottom drawer by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

This Page gives a rough overlook with detail to the bottom drawer that will be used to hold my accessories, cutter, lighters ect...

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7...a1285e51_b.jpg Untitled by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

This Page gives a look at the over all dimensions of the compartments and the height, a rough calculation gives me the estimate of 4158 cubic inches of humidified storage.

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7...b41c97f6_b.jpg Joints view by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

This page shows the joints he will be making, the lid, and the different lid styles he is offering me... :)
As the joints show the sections will stack on top of each other and will allow for future sections to be added if needed...

To all that are keeping up with my build I appreciate your interest and input... anyone who has anything they want to say feel free to give me your opinions...
Darrell is starting on the box construction...
step 2... finding reasonably priced Spanish Cedar Inlay and trays... Thoughts?

Thanks guys and Pleasant Puffs,

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

So Darrel has been busy... I am extremely pleased to show the bottom floor of my Humidor... This shows our base the drawer slot and the bottom humidification bay and the grooves that the second and 3 layers will rest on...

So here they are...

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/8...e516ebaa_z.jpg Bottom View, Drawer & Humidification bay by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8...fb6aa5a1_z.jpg Drawer Closeup 2 by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/8...23d7cfd3_z.jpg Groove by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8...4bb35c9e_z.jpg Humidification bay by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8...53866594_z.jpg Side view by Robulous78, on Flickr[/IMG]

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

looking like some good progress, cant wait to see more updates :tu

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Looking good, I am subscribed.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Thanks Man... I really appreciate your interest in my build. Darrel is still working on my 2nd and 3rd sections and I am hunting down Spanish Cedar to line it... but we will have more pictures in about a week...

Subscriptions = Smiles :)

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Thanks man, Just remember that most of us can't read so we like to look at pretty pictures.

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

Rest Assured... Ill be posting pics as we complete every step of the way... I used to be just a cigar on an occasion smoker...Then thanks to my neighbor and these forums I am now up to 1-2 cigars a day... This project is an undertaking so that I can improve on that... and have the space to store it all also...

Thanks for your interest Shawn... Ill be sure to provide many pictures....

Rob

Re: Dream humidor construction in progress- help?!
 

It is true, thanks for the update pics. Looking good so far.