Cooled Cabinet Humidor Project

[MikeyC]

What kind of insulation are you putting in? I would think with the cooling unit and humidity involved in this project you would want to be careful about what you're using so as not to get mold from condensation in the insulation.

[zmancbr]

Looking great!

[jds78]

Originally Posted by MikeyC

What kind of insulation are you putting in? I would think with the cooling unit and humidity involved in this project you would want to be careful about what you're using so as not to get mold from condensation in the insulation.

I'm using 1.5" thick rigid insulation. I hadn't consider condensation in the insulation to be an issue since it's isolated by the Spanish cedar. Are you thinking condensation will form in the insulation gap due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside? Should I maybe add poly to the warm side between the insulation and the walnut?

[MikeyC]

Originally Posted by jds78

I'm using 1.5" thick rigid insulation. I hadn't consider condensation in the insulation to be an issue since it's isolated by the Spanish cedar. Are you thinking condensation will form in the insulation gap due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside? Should I maybe add poly to the warm side between the insulation and the walnut?

That was my thought. I hate to be the a-hole who points out the problem without having a solution, but unfortunately that's the situation.

Also, have you considered using expanding foam for insulation? I would think it would fill up odd size spaces and gaps better than rigid insulation. It will make things more air tight and therefore your refrigeration unit will be more efficient. You'll probably have to let it sit for a while in order to out gas, but nothing done right is quick.

[jds78]

Originally Posted by MikeyC

That was my thought. I hate to be the a-hole who points out the problem without having a solution, but unfortunately that's the situation.

Also, have you considered using expanding foam for insulation? I would think it would fill up odd size spaces and gaps better than rigid insulation. It will make things more air tight and therefore your refrigeration unit will be more efficient. You'll probably have to let it sit for a while in order to out gas, but nothing done right is quick.

I considered using the expanding foam but since I'm running by wires in that space as well I would't be able to get at the wiring if I needed to in the future.

I wonder how Aristocrat and Avallo deal with this issue? I'm pretty sure they use rigid insulation in their cabinets.

[ca21455]

Originally Posted by jds78

I considered using the expanding foam but since I'm running by wires in that space as well I would't be able to get at the wiring if I needed to in the future.

I wonder how Aristocrat and Avallo deal with this issue? I'm pretty sure they use rigid insulation in their cabinets.

I recommend you contact Bob at Aristocrat:

www.aristocrathumidors.com

His phone number and email is listed on the website. He is a really good guy and I am sure he would be willing to help you out.

I cant swear to it, I cant swear the cabinet I saw was his but the guy said it was, but one I saw did not use a vapor barrier.
A guy local dropped his moving and knew I was into woodworking and asked me to look at fixing it.

Some wood glue and clamps was all he needed and I saw no vapor barrier at all.

Chas

[jds78]

Thanks for the great info Chas. Since temperature is really only an issue for me 3 months of the year and the maximum temperature difference will only be about 10 degrees I'm thinking vapor barrier might be overkill.

There is a small hole in the bottom of the cabinet for the power cord. I was going fill it with foam insulation but I might leave it open for moisture to escape.