Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[MiamiE]

Do a Google search for Vinotemp. They have some nice models and I am sure they have a distributor in Asia.

Hi,

Can I use coarse Kosher salt for the salt test? It's all I have in the house right now.

[kydsid]

Originally Posted by ysr_racer

Hi,

Can I use coarse Kosher salt for the salt test? It's all I have in the house right now.

Potentially. Salt testing is really about making a paste with the salt and just a bit of water. If the crystals are bigger like they are in most kosher salts achieving paste might be a bit difficult. Might have to grind up the salt to get it to work.

But I say sense kosher salt costs more than the cheap iodized stuff just wait until the next grocery visit. Unless you have ridiculously high humidity or no humidity even a couple days at where its at will have a long term affect on the cigars.

[SteveH]

I used kosher salt for my salt test; worked fine. Just realize that its a fine line between just right and too much water.

[Zeuceone]

i noticed a tiny bit of mold brewing on the humidity puck in my humi, any reason why?

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

i noticed a tiny bit of mold brewing on the humidity puck in my humi, any reason why?

You're using the floral foam humidifier (aka: "credo") I take it?

Not an uncommon occurrence, considering it's a perfect environment for mold to grow, and PG solution won't completely stop it.

I'd just toss it and order some beads from either Heartfelt or Michael (CigarNut).

[Zeuceone]

yes im suign the foam. the mold is actually on the plastic puck. definately going to get beads once i have cigars to fill my humi. thanks, adam.

[chachee52]

So to keep with the hydrometer theme a little. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. How long to the batteries usually last and when you change the battery i would assume that you should also recalibtrate it?
Mine seems to be starting to get a little hard to read so I was going to go get a new battery anyway.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by chachee52

So to keep with the hydrometer theme a little. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. How long to the batteries usually last and when you change the battery i would assume that you should also recalibtrate it?
Mine seems to be starting to get a little hard to read so I was going to go get a new battery anyway.

How long the batteries last depends on the hygrometer and the batteries. Certain types & brands of batteries will last more or less than others, but it's probably best to change it once every 6 months to a year regardless.

Rechecking the calibration at that point isn't a bad thing.

[Whee]

Originally Posted by chachee52

So to keep with the hydrometer theme a little. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. How long to the batteries usually last and when you change the battery i would assume that you should also recalibtrate it?
Mine seems to be starting to get a little hard to read so I was going to go get a new battery anyway.

Really depends on the battery. I have had them last months. Just had to change them recently with batteries that only lasted about 5 weeks.

I always recalibrate with new batteries, just in case.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by chachee52

So to keep with the hydrometer theme a little. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. How long to the batteries usually last and when you change the battery i would assume that you should also recalibtrate it?
Mine seems to be starting to get a little hard to read so I was going to go get a new battery anyway.

Personally I change the batteries in mine about every three months. Proabably overkill, but it's only a few bucks against my peace-of-mind.

Digital hgygrometers need a good battery in order to provide accurate results. As the battery degrades so does the accuracy.

Also, when you change the batteries I recommend recalibrating/retesting.

[chachee52]

Thought this was going to be the answer but thought I'd ask the people that have been doing it for years.
Thanks guys!!!

[Bill86]

Damn now that It's mentioned my batteries in my current hygro are a good 6 months - 8 months old. Thanks for the reminder

[CoreyD]

So today I was talking to a worker at the B&M and we were talking about what I kept my humidity at and I told him i am usually between 62 and 65 and he wondered why so low he told me some wrappers split and crack at that humidity but I have yet had a problem. He suggested near the 70 marker but yet I could swear on here between 63 and 65 was good.

[Bill86]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

So today I was talking to a worker at the B&M and we were talking about what I kept my humidity at and I told him i am usually between 62 and 65 and he wondered why so low he told me some wrappers split and crack at that humidity but I have yet had a problem. He suggested near the 70 marker but yet I could swear on here between 63 and 65 was good.

Ever smoke a cigar out of a B&M humidor? They go out on you AT LEAST twice. High RH does that. Also they get so spongy you almost cannot smoke them below say 35%.

Most workers in B&M's really have no clue. I hate to say it but they really don't know much more then they are told.

B&M shops have to keep their humidors up at 70-73 RH to make up for all the traffic they get. Opening the door a lot and whatnot. I'm still convinced they could drop the RH to 68 and things would work out much better for everyone. But that's just my guess.

The few cigars I've smoked out of the Humidor at work always go out on me A LOT. The ones I bring from home usually never go out on me. Unless of course I leave them for a few minutes. Much easier to nub my own sticks or at least smoke them down to the band.

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

So today I was talking to a worker at the B&M and we were talking about what I kept my humidity at and I told him i am usually between 62 and 65 and he wondered why so low he told me some wrappers split and crack at that humidity but I have yet had a problem. He suggested near the 70 marker but yet I could swear on here between 63 and 65 was good.

I Agree, Corey! I've Tried Every RH From 60-70 & 63-65 Works For Me. I Smoked Several Sticks Lately @ 67 RH & They Were Harsh & Went Out.

[CoreyD]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

he told me some wrappers split and crack at that humidity.

See my concern was more this part.. I have around only 300 cigars in my coolidors and desktop and would hate lose even 1 due to improper storage. Going out part isn't an issue when I have a lighter in my hands or pocket hehe.

[chachee52]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

See my concern was more this part.. I have around only 300 cigars in my coolidors and desktop and would hate lose even 1 due to improper storage. Going out part isn't an issue when I have a lighter in my hands or pocket hehe.

I'm by no means an expert, but I keep mine usually in the low 60% range and never have had a splitting problem. I will say that mine used to split when I went for walks in the winter with a cigar. Recently, now that I have proper storage and humidity, this has not been an issue. I used to use just a traveldor which I'm sure was very low humidity and got a ton of splitting, but like I said, it was only when I went out and walked in the winter.
just my experience so far.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by chachee52

I'm by no means an expert, but I keep mine usually in the low 60% range and never have had a splitting problem.

[taltos]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

So today I was talking to a worker at the B&M and we were talking about what I kept my humidity at and I told him i am usually between 62 and 65 and he wondered why so low he told me some wrappers split and crack at that humidity but I have yet had a problem. He suggested near the 70 marker but yet I could swear on here between 63 and 65 was good.

In addition to Bill's excellent comments, I have noticed draw problems and a sour taste from cigars kept at 70 or higher. The only problem that I have had with cracking wrappers is when our New England climate is too cold.