My coolider project

Newbie_nick · 09-23-2011, 06:11 PM

Hey all!

I just put together my first coolidor, and I thought that I'd share my experience. Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions on how I could improve my setup. I'm here to learn!

I started by buying a full pound of RH beads and a Xikar digital hygrometer, and according to their website, that quantity of beads should be able to supply a 150 quart cooler or 5.0 cu ft. Originally, I wanted to build a ~75 quart coolidor, but I also wanted to use the beads in my standard humidor as well. I thought that a little overkill would be good here!

After getting my beads and hygrometer, I visited my local Wally World and found a 45 quart cooler. I wanted a bigger one, but at this late in the season, they were sold out of bigger ones. After getting the cooler home, I washed the inside with a mild detergent, rinsed it thoroughly, and set it outside to dry in the sunlight.

Moving inside, I opened the beads and dug out the mesh bag inside. Using a kitchen funnel, I CAREFULLY poured about 3/4 of the beads into the bag, and per the directions, I added about 3 tbls of distilled water to the beads. I could actually hear the beads crackle as they soaked up some of the water, and the beads turned clear as they soaked up the water. After the soaking process, I hung the bag using the plastic strap in the cooler that keeps the lid from flying wide open. It was perfect to keep the bag of beads hanging in the cooler to give maximum surface area to absorb/emit moisture as needed.

***Although I didn't show it here, I also calibrated my hygrometer using using the salt and water calibration method.***

After I got the cooler washed and ready with the beads, I loaded the cooler with a few empty boxes that I picked up from my local B&M shop. They sell empty boxes for $2/$3 each, and I thought that they would be perfect to keep my extra sticks in. Finally, I added the hygrometer on top and shut the lid. Since I have a regular humidor for my daily smoking needs, I'm going to use the coolidor for my long term storage, so I'm not going to be opening it very often. The beads are nice to load it there and forget all of your humidification worries.

Honestly, this was a pretty easy project. I figure that it cost about $75, including the coolier, hygrometer, and the full pound of beads. I'm glad that I have plenty of space....for now!

kelmac07 · 09-23-2011, 06:25 PM

That space won't be empty for long.

Newbie_nick · 09-23-2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelmac07

That space won't be empty for long.

I know... I was hoping that the coolidor size limitations would curb me from spending more $$$ on cigars! Fat chance of that...

N2 GOLD · 09-23-2011, 06:39 PM

Very kool Nick...

I'm getting ready to start my kooler some time next week.

Bax · 09-23-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

I know... I was hoping that the coolidor size limitations would curb me from spending more $$$ on cigars! Fat chance of that...

You should hit the comedy circuit with jokes like that!!!!

N2 GOLD · 09-23-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

I know... I was hoping that the coolidor size limitations would curb me from spending more $$$ on cigars! Fat chance of that...

Funny guy...

Drez · 09-23-2011, 06:55 PM

looking good so far.............. just alot of empty space...........

EricF · 09-23-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drez

looking good so far.............. just alot of empty space...........

....................................Just sayin'!!!!

Newbie_nick · 09-23-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drez

looking good so far.............. just alot of empty space...........

Yeah, I know. I'm a noob, remember? I've blown my budget for this month and maybe for next, so the empty space will have to wait!

Ogre · 09-23-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

I know... I was hoping that the coolidor size limitations would curb me from spending more $$$ on cigars! Fat chance of that...

This should be posted in the jokes thread!!!!

Drez · 09-23-2011, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

Yeah, I know. I'm a noob, remember? I've blown my budget for this month and maybe for next, so the empty space will have to wait!

slim chance..............

Blak Smyth · 09-23-2011, 07:12 PM

I am doing the same setup! Looking good brother!

irratebass · 09-23-2011, 10:41 PM

I will have a cooler soon. Looks great Nick

TBone · 09-23-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

Yeah, I know. I'm a noob, remember? I've blown my budget for this month and maybe for next, so the empty space will have to wait!

Newb statement

CigarSquid · 09-23-2011, 11:04 PM

Looks like mine!

Remo · 09-24-2011, 12:29 AM

Between you and Garry posting empty cooler pics, I can see alot of carnage flying around soon

CigarSquid · 09-24-2011, 12:43 AM

I got some sticks added.. 20 to be exact... Hardly a dent in the cooler though.

Remo · 09-24-2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garryyjr

I got some sticks added.. 20 to be exact... Hardly a dent in the cooler though.

Yup

deadrise · 09-24-2011, 02:22 AM

nice set up right there

Skywalker · 09-24-2011, 02:28 AM

Good job!!!

09-23-2011, 06:11 PM	#1
Newbie_nick Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2011 First Name: Nick Location: Findlay, OH Posts: 418 Trading: (13)	My coolider project Hey all! I just put together my first coolidor, and I thought that I'd share my experience. Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions on how I could improve my setup. I'm here to learn! I started by buying a full pound of RH beads and a Xikar digital hygrometer, and according to their website, that quantity of beads should be able to supply a 150 quart cooler or 5.0 cu ft. Originally, I wanted to build a ~75 quart coolidor, but I also wanted to use the beads in my standard humidor as well. I thought that a little overkill would be good here! After getting my beads and hygrometer, I visited my local Wally World and found a 45 quart cooler. I wanted a bigger one, but at this late in the season, they were sold out of bigger ones. After getting the cooler home, I washed the inside with a mild detergent, rinsed it thoroughly, and set it outside to dry in the sunlight. Moving inside, I opened the beads and dug out the mesh bag inside. Using a kitchen funnel, I CAREFULLY poured about 3/4 of the beads into the bag, and per the directions, I added about 3 tbls of distilled water to the beads. I could actually hear the beads crackle as they soaked up some of the water, and the beads turned clear as they soaked up the water. After the soaking process, I hung the bag using the plastic strap in the cooler that keeps the lid from flying wide open. It was perfect to keep the bag of beads hanging in the cooler to give maximum surface area to absorb/emit moisture as needed. *Although I didn't show it here, I also calibrated my hygrometer using using the salt and water calibration method.* After I got the cooler washed and ready with the beads, I loaded the cooler with a few empty boxes that I picked up from my local B&M shop. They sell empty boxes for $2/$3 each, and I thought that they would be perfect to keep my extra sticks in. Finally, I added the hygrometer on top and shut the lid. Since I have a regular humidor for my daily smoking needs, I'm going to use the coolidor for my long term storage, so I'm not going to be opening it very often. The beads are nice to load it there and forget all of your humidification worries. Honestly, this was a pretty easy project. I figure that it cost about $75, including the coolier, hygrometer, and the full pound of beads. I'm glad that I have plenty of space....for now!

09-23-2011, 06:25 PM	#2
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: My coolider project That space won't be empty for long. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

09-23-2011, 06:39 PM	#4
N2 GOLD MIND OVER MATTER... Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: RICO Location: So. CAL 33° 44' 44" N / 117° 52' 0" W Posts: 2,330 Trading: (1)	Re: My coolider project Very kool Nick... I'm getting ready to start my kooler some time next week. __________________ When I want your opinion, I'll give it to ya.

09-23-2011, 06:55 PM	#7
Drez The Warden Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Frank Location: Miami, FL Posts: 3,768 Trading: (35)	Re: My coolider project looking good so far.............. just alot of empty space........... __________________ They aren't going to multiply....burn that b!tch!

09-23-2011, 07:12 PM	#12
Blak Smyth Think Blue! Join Date: Jun 2011 First Name: SD Location: THE WOOD Posts: 8,486 Trading: (52)	Re: My coolider project I am doing the same setup! Looking good brother! __________________ SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

09-23-2011, 10:41 PM	#13
irratebass EMPEROR TOMPKINS Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Mickey Location: Mooresville, Indiana Posts: 8,313 Trading: (48)	Re: My coolider project I will have a cooler soon. Looks great Nick __________________

09-23-2011, 11:04 PM	#15
CigarSquid AKA Garryyjr Join Date: Apr 2011 First Name: Garry Location: Medford, OR - Cigar Zombie Posts: 3,213 Trading: (39)	Re: My coolider project Looks like mine!

09-24-2011, 12:29 AM	#16
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: My coolider project Between you and Garry posting empty cooler pics, I can see alot of carnage flying around soon __________________

09-24-2011, 12:43 AM	#17
CigarSquid AKA Garryyjr Join Date: Apr 2011 First Name: Garry Location: Medford, OR - Cigar Zombie Posts: 3,213 Trading: (39)	Re: My coolider project I got some sticks added.. 20 to be exact... Hardly a dent in the cooler though.

09-24-2011, 02:22 AM	#19
deadrise The Manhattan Project Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Jason Location: Reedville Virginia Posts: 1,001 Trading: (24)	Re: My coolider project nice set up right there __________________

09-24-2011, 02:28 AM	#20
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: My coolider project Good job!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!