Turning Dresser Cabinet into Humidor

I have this antique dresser in my room, and the top cabinet half is not being used currently. I would like to turn the top half of it into a humidor to store my Cigars but had some questions.

#1 - The doors are not 100% air tight, but are pretty close. This would be a good thing correct? to allow slight air flow and what not? or do I want it 100% air tight?

#2 - Would I need to line the insides of the cabinet section with anything?

#3 - Would having humidity inside warp the dresser significantly?

#4 - What would be a good humidification device to put inside of it?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[jluck]

Originally Posted by CigarNewb1

I have this antique dresser in my room, and the top cabinet half is not being used currently. I would like to turn the top half of it into a humidor to store my Cigars but had some questions.

#1 - The doors are not 100% air tight, but are pretty close. This would be a good thing correct? to allow slight air flow and what not? or do I want it 100% air tight?

#2 - Would I need to line the insides of the cabinet section with anything?

#3 - Would having humidity inside warp the dresser significantly?

#4 - What would be a good humidification device to put inside of it?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

These answers to my knowledge. I am no expert!
1- you want it sealed, no air flow. None.
2- traditional lining is Spanish cedar. It helps regulate the humidity environment.
3- I don't think there would be enough moisture to damage the unit.
4- get beads. I recommend shilala beads from cigarnut on this forum.
5- did I mention GET BEADS! ....Good luck.

[Bax]

Personally. I would construct a spanish cedar box to slide into your cabinet. Poly the outside of the box and make a weather strip seal on the edge of the insert that will touch the doors when closed. That way you don't damage a nice dresser and make a nice place to store your smokes till you realize it's not nearly enough space

[ApexAZ]

Cool project! That will make a nice humidor!

[Wharf Rat]

I like Bax's suggestion. A separate slip in humidor lets you make it airtight and doesn't compromise the antique value.

[Taki]

Very cool project brother!! Good Luck with everything...keep this thread posted with updates

[CigarNut]

You need to be careful about the wood that is exposed to the cigars. Some woods impart undesirable flavors and odors to your cigars. Others, like Spanish Cedar manage moisture well and are aromatic without imparting negative flavors or odors to your cigars.

Thanks for all the information gentleman! I really appreciate it. I will post up some pictures and updates on this project as It progresses, I'm waiting on some money from my tax return to purchase some supplies. Any more ideas?

[jluck]

Originally Posted by CigarNewb1

Thanks for all the information gentleman! I really appreciate it. I will post up some pictures and updates on this project as It progresses, I'm waiting on some money from my tax return to purchase some supplies. Any more ideas?

YEP!....get enough supplies to turn the lower drawers in to humi's also...you will need the room if you hang around the loony's on this forum!

And really..get good hygrometers and the beads.

That could turn out to be pretty beast bro! Can't wait to see the progress!

[dwoodward]

Good luck with the project! Just make sure you seal it up good. You do not want any airflow. Humidity must be regulated, airflow makes this impossible because you will always be losing humidity.

[Apoco]

I thought one primary reason to use spanish cedar over any other wood was the beetle repellant properties that it carries?
Posted via Mobile Device

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by Apoco

I thought one primary reason to use spanish cedar over any other wood was the beetle repellant properties that it carries?
Posted via Mobile Device

Beetles generally wont eat most cedars, but what does it matter since the beetles come from your cigars?

Beetles can become a problem in any humidor, no matter what kind of wood it's made out of.

I like the idea of the Spanish Cedar box to slide inside of the cabinet, where can you buy wood like that to create the box? I'm also still on the fence about what type of humidification device to put inside... would beads suffice? or should I get some sort of electric device? Any links to stuff?

What about something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/140552055810...84.m1423.l2649

[jluck]

Originally Posted by CigarNewb1

I like the idea of the Spanish Cedar box to slide inside of the cabinet, where can you buy wood like that to create the box? I'm also still on the fence about what type of humidification device to put inside... would beads suffice? or should I get some sort of electric device? Any links to stuff?

What about something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/140552055810...84.m1423.l2649

Beads don't suffice anything. They do the task better cheaper and with less maintenance than electronic devices. You can Get beads from cigarnut, I think there still on sale too.

How much beads would I need?

[jluck]

http://www.shilalasbeads.com/

There's a calculator on the site. More is better but not required.

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by jluck

http://www.shilalasbeads.com/

There's a calculator on the site. More is better but not required.

There are also Heartfelt Beads... both HCM (shilala) and Heartfelt Beads are great.

What I like about Heartfelt Beads is you can order 70% beads at no extra cost, but most people like their cigars at 65%... I personally prefer 70%... All comes down to what you like.

Here is heartfelt's site.
http://heartfeltindustries.com/default.asp