I may look at this humidor today, little help?

[shilala]

Adam, I'd be surprised if the bodies and backs of even something so vaunted as the Aristocrat were not made from CNC cut veneered mdf. Raised panels would be cnc cut, as well as all the other parts, but obviously not of veneered mdf.
The insides would very likely be covered with Spanish Cedar veneer from rolls.
Note that I said I'd be surprised. I've not stood before an Aristocrat and picked apart the construction. Nor am I saying they aren't a top notch, top quality box. I'd like to know their componentry just for my own info.
I guess my point was that for the money, I'd expect a hand-made product. I guess it is, to a point, but a "made in usa humidor" brings visions of an all hand-made, hand rubbed piece of art to my mind. Not so much a computer cut, hand put-together item. (Even though I'm planning to buy a cnc for my shop.)
Just an interjection of muddled thoughts here, I'm not assuming they're "the other manufacturer".

As a craftsman, my feelings on mdf, despite the numbers in it's favor, is that it isn't wood. It's artificial wood. I know it has it's place, it makes items affordable. It still doesn't mean I have to like it or use it. It makes a damn fine workbench top, though.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by shilala

I guess my point was that for the money, I'd expect a hand-made product. I guess it is, to a point, but a "made in usa humidor" brings visions of an all hand-made, hand rubbed piece of art to my mind. Not so much a computer cut, hand put-together item.

Bingo.

Originally Posted by shilala

As a craftsman, my feelings on mdf, despite the numbers in it's favor, is that it isn't wood. It's artificial wood. I know it has it's place, it makes items affordable. It still doesn't mean I have to like it or use it.

That is somewhat how I feel too Scott. I'm well aware that MDF might be better, but I simply don't want it, and not at those prices, especially when I can have one built locally out of real wood. I get what I want, I save the shipping and I don't have to go though a middleman/vendor, which saves me quite a bit.