I may look at this humidor today, little help?

[T.G]

Originally Posted by RonC

who are the other "USA" manufacturers?

You were the one who used that as a justification Ron, so you tell me.

[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.

[mithrilG60]

Originally Posted by RonC

who are the other "USA" manufacturers?

Aristocrat for one. Their active humidification system is easily the same quality as the Avallo Accumonitor, their prices are effectively the same when comparing like sized units and (as far as I know) Bob uses only solid wood. Are you saying that Avallo is still making their humidors primarily out of MDF with just finish and spanish cedar veneers or are you talking about the older models like the one Pete was going to look at and Adam sold a while back?

While I do get the argument that MDF is theoretically superior as it expands and contracts less that solid wood under changing temperature and moisture conditions, it's still a much cheaper material than solid wood and typically cheaper materials = cheaper price when compared to an equivalent product that uses higher end materials. If you were remodeling your kitchen would you pay the same price for cabinets made of MDF with an oak veneer as you would for cabinets made of solid oak? While I might not hesitate to choose the veneer if the end product was just as functional and good looking, but I certainly wouldn't pay the same price for cheaper materials.

This thread makes me happy I chose to order an Aristocrat

Originally Posted by mithrilG60

Aristocrat for one. Their active humidification system is easily the same quality as the Avallo Accumonitor, their prices are effectively the same when comparing like sized units and Bob uses only solid wood. Are you saying that Avallo is still making their humidors primarily out of MDF with just finish and spanish cedar veneers or are you talking about the older models like the one Pete was going to look at and Adam sold a while back?

While I do get the argument that MDF is theoretically superior as it expands and contracts less that solid wood under changing temperature and moisture conditions, it's still a much cheaper material than solid wood and typically cheaper materials = cheaper price when compared to an equivalent product that uses higher end materials. If you were remodeling your kitchen would you pay the same price for cabinets made of MDF with an oak veneer as you would for cabinets made of solid oak? While I might not hesitate to choose the veneer if the end product was just as functional and good looking, but I certainly wouldn't pay the same price for cheaper materials.

This thread makes me happy I chose to order an Aristocrat

sorry to break the news, but you are wrong. Your Aristocrat is not 100% "wood". The body is made of "100% MDF" just like the Avallo.

Matt and Bob do some different things regarding trim, and Bob prefers using wood for the door, but the main structure or body of your Aristocrat, as well as the top is made from MDF.

Now before this goes any further, I consider Bob Staebell to be a friend. We all know that he makes an awesome cabinet. I still own 2 Aristocrats as well as a couple of Avallos. I just had to comment because of some "facts" that were posted are not true.

[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.

[mithrilG60]

Thanks for the clarification Ron!