Pushing the Seasoning

[CW Piperman]

Hi all,

So I bit the bullet, and graduated from my Pelikan 1500 case with cedar trays (the Pelidor) and a cedar Boveda holder for 2 69% Boveda packs to a brand, spankin' new NewAir CC-300H wineador. Set it up, and started seasoning with Boveda 84% packs as instructed by both NA and Boveda (300 realistic cigars / 25 cigars/pack = 12 60gm 84% packs. Started seasoning about a week ago, and everything was going well, up to about 83.5% sustained as measured by 2 SensorPush calibrated (via Boveda calibration kit) hygrometers at a nice constant 67.5F. Over the last 3 days, the humidity started to drop slowly, even tho it was never opened and Boveda reccommends not opening the NewAir for 2 weeks of seasoning. I had a feeling I knew what was going on, and, sure enough, biting the bullet and opening it found the Boveda packs still flexible, but starting to get "crunchy". Not wanting to screw things up, I soaked a sponge in distilled water and only wrung it slightly, and added it to the fray. Today, I noted that the humidity won't go above 70%, but is up a little, down a little, up a little...you get the picture.

My next trick was to fill the little seasoning reservoir that NewAir provided and place it in the winador as well. We'll see how that goes. I have been leaving the Bovedas in there, as I reasoned that they won't begin to suck humidity out of the air until it hits 84%, so they are not going to be a drag on the liquid.

Advice? I'm thinking that thing's going to need more than 12 Bovedas to keep it to my preferred humidity of 65% (listen to me...I have a preferred humidity....I've been smoking cigars for like 2 months....). I really don't want to season forever, if only because it's so hot around here right now (and we have no AC) it's hard to keep my Pelidor cool enough. I am not worried about beetles, however, as I hit the sticky here at CA and took the precautionary step of freezing all of my 50 cigar stash at -12F for 117 hours.....I'm guessing no more beetle worry. However, I would like to use my wineador at some point......

Thanks for the help?

CW

[Wharf Rat]

When the cooling system runs, it will pull moisture out of the air. It’s going to be hard, if not impossible, for some passive moisture sources to keep up with a mechanical cooling system. I think you’ll find most folks here with a NewAir don’t run the refrigerator system.

I freeze all my cigars. But, in reality, cigars from a major roller shouldn’t need it. If you buy cigars from some little shop, then freezing is a must. My only beetle problem in more than 20 years came from a little shop in Ybor City (Tampa).

[Subvet642]

I like Boveda for small jobs but for my cooler-dor I use Heartfelt Beads. Try seasoning with the wet sponge method then switch to the beads. My cooler-dor is almost maintenance free. BTW, the relative in relative humidity means relative to temprature. If the cooling mechanism is cycling on and off, doing its job, then you'll see the fluctuation you're seeing. I'm guessing that your Boveda packs are still absorbing moisture from your sponge, preventing your RH from climbing higher. With them so dry, they will absorb moisture below 84%. If you use only the sponge method, you should see better seasoning results; then switch to beads. Good luck!

[CW Piperman]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

I like Boveda for small jobs but for my cooler-dor I use Heartfelt Beads. Try seasoning with the wet sponge method then switch to the beads. My cooler-dor is almost maintenance free. BTW, the relative in relative humidity means relative to temprature. If the cooling mechanism is cycling on and off, doing its job, then you'll see the fluctuation you're seeing. I'm guessing that your Boveda packs are still absorbing moisture from your sponge, preventing your RH from climbing higher. With them so dry, they will absorb moisture below 84%. If you use only the sponge method, you should see better seasoning results; then switch to beads. Good luck!

Removed the Bovedas, put in a DW Sponge and a dish of DW (no more sponges). Humidity already rising.

How many (much) Heartfelt beads would you use for a 2.6 cubic foot Newair? Is there a "best" container for them?

CW

[T.G]

Just put a head of lettuce in there.

[AdamJoshua]

I actually like the shilia beads better, the composition of the bead has more surface as well as a structure that stands up better over time. Everything you need to know is here...

http://www.cigarbeads.com/

[CW Piperman]

Well, I pulled everything and added 2 sponges soaked in distilled water, on flat plates with good air circulation. At the same time, we had a huge thunderstorm, and I decided to pull the plug on the empty humidor, rather than have it get fried by a lightning strike.

Next day, RH up to 89%, and it's been there ever since (this was Thursday night).

I never thought that having the humidor turned on and set a 68F would drop the RH, but there you have it. It's been off since, seasoning at room temp (about 80F here right now). I have no doubt that even tho it's a Thermoelectric device, turning it on will drop the RH again.

How long should it sit at 89% to season the shelves and drawers before I put cigars in and turn it on to 70F? I'm also going to be putting 3 XL tubes of 65% Heartfelt beads for humidification....plus a few 65% Bovedas since I have them, for good measure.

Thanks!!!!!

CW

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by CW Piperman

Well, I pulled everything and added 2 sponges soaked in distilled water, on flat plates with good air circulation. At the same time, we had a huge thunderstorm, and I decided to pull the plug on the empty humidor, rather than have it get fried by a lightning strike.

Next day, RH up to 89%, and it's been there ever since (this was Thursday night).

I never thought that having the humidor turned on and set a 68F would drop the RH, but there you have it. It's been off since, seasoning at room temp (about 80F here right now). I have no doubt that even tho it's a Thermoelectric device, turning it on will drop the RH again.

How long should it sit at 89% to season the shelves and drawers before I put cigars in and turn it on to 70F? I'm also going to be putting 3 XL tubes of 65% Heartfelt beads for humidification....plus a few 65% Bovedas since I have them, for good measure.

Thanks!!!!!

CW

Like Bob said; it's probably good already. When you turn on the cooling your RH may spike so don't over fill the beads; leave some capacity for them to absorb some of that moisture. I'd wait to put your sticks in until it levels out.
At 80°F and 89% RH your dew point is 77°F so when you lower the temp below the dew point you get condensation.

[Wharf Rat]

To properly judge the success of your seasoning, you really need a wood moisture meter. Here’s a link to a discussion of wood moisture meters: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/a...isture-meters/

Personally, I prefer the pin type because you can push the pin in to different depths and see how the moisture penetrates.

Or, you could say, “Screw this nerd, Bob!” And figure it’s good enough already. Really, it’s all gonna equalize out over time.

[CW Piperman]

Got it. Will do. Thanks to all, and I will certainly leave capacity for the beads to absorb and even it out.

CW

[Subvet642]

Originally Posted by CW Piperman

Got it. Will do. Thanks to all, and I will certainly leave capacity for the beads to absorb and even it out.

CW

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[icehog3]

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