So a new co-worker and friend of mine Darrell happens to have experience building cabinetry / jewelry boxes / display cases ect.... I rough sketched plans to him and he became very enthusiastic about our project to build my dream humidor. I will do my best to describe the dimensions and design and I have/ and will inevitably have more questions... I'd love any and everyone's feedback in this endeavor....

DESCRIPTION: (to the best of my abilities)

The Humidor internal dimensions are Height:17in Width:18in Depth: 8in
The Humidor (more or less) consists of 3 parts,
--Base: containing 1 accessory Drawer (non humidified), Humidification bay, slotted overlay, and 8in wall for box storage, the Wall is of single slot and groove design upon which the next layer rests.
--Single storage: 5in wall with stops that allow top portion of humidor to be removed to allow direct access to box storage,this portion will contain 2 trays with the dimensions 2.5in x 18in x 8in
--Lid : Humidification bay of 1 inch for bead storage resting on slotted panel directly over single storage, then a 1 in hardwood top.

QUESTIONS: (HELP!)

1) Anyone know of a good place to get wood? (ha)
2) Does the inside HAVE to be lined with Spanish Cedar? or will just Cedar work? How thick of a lining?
3) Darrell thinks a 1/4 inch wall, and tongue and groove seals separating the compartments will hold humidity, anyone know/have anything to say about this?
4) What beads should I use? everyone on here seems viciously loyal to their bead brands.

ANY AND ALL CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS WELCOMED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Thanks Guys,

Rob
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If youre going to have a custom humidor built, GO BIGGER.

You'll thank me later.
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First off just wanna say 2 things. 1 the project seems like a grat idea I cant wait to see how it turns out. 2nd I love Sylva. I just moved back to Florida from Brevard well Rosman to be exact but few know that lil place. I wish I was still in the upstate area.

As far as your second question is concerned spanish cedar would be the BEST to use. It last longer and holds the humidity much better. I myself have one of each. I would say that if you are gonna go for it then do it right and go for the spanish.

As far as wood is concerned there is a really good place here in orlando to get some. I will check into it on the morrow and let you know prices and availability. I dont know if they have a web site or not but its ok because you know ppl here lol.

Good luck and cant wait to see pics!!!!
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exactly!
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Thanks Everyone for the Help & input... Yea Squishy get back to me on that if you don't mind. I appreciate the help!

As for going bigger... This is already a 6 to 7 x jump from where I am now... how big is too big? and how big is really necessary?
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If you build it...... They will come..... Meaning you will fill it up... So make something Big enough to last you a few years.
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6 x7 is great... if youre talking feet!! :-)

Seriously, go bigger.
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That really depends. How long have you been "seriously" smoking cigars. How many cigars do you smoke per week on average?

Do you plan on collecting, and or ageing cigars?


There is not hard and fast formula, its different for every person.
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Maybe a cigar a day, sometimes 2 if i really feel it. But i admit I have a bit of a hoarding problem. I keep one stick from every blend I smoke telling myself someday I'll write a review on it... I am just waiting to finish the preparation of my cigar journal/blog.... so with my holding onto one of several brands I am already brimming 2 desk humi's way above capacity, but with robustos mostly....

I think my dimensions should hold about a 3 month supply with the ability to age specific sticks if i wanted to... or i could move ageing sticks out to one of the other desk humi's I already have...

I really want a wineador but my funds just wont cover it... Darrell says he can get this done just south of a hundred bucks.... throw in 50 for beads and an agreed upon "steak dinner" for Darrell's efforts and I think I can get this done for around 175... Which seems reasonable when i estimate the dimensions will hold around 400 sticks.... but thats a rough guess.... (anyone have a different opinion? )

So I don't know, Thoughts? Feedback? It all helps the cause....


Thanks Md4958,

Rob
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LoL ZaneG, Cracking me up... Maybe if I build it big enough the casino across the road will host a herf if I keep hounding them...
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Moe is wise.



1) www.woodfinder.com
2) Spanish Cedar and Cedar are two totally different animals. Spanish Cedar is actually a hardwood in the mahogany family, cedar is a softwood in the cypress family. Spanish cedar gets it's name from the aroma of it's wood when cut, and that's where the similarities end. Cedar is so pungent that it will likely overpower the natural flavors/aromas your cigars within less than a year, possibly as quickly as within a few months. It's also debatable how well cedar holds a humidity range that is ideal for cigars. There can also be issues with the soft wood leaking sap. Best bet, just get Spanish cedar or mahogany to line the humidor.
3) I've seen it accomplished with a thinner piece, so 1/4" is probably fine.
4) Either hcmbeads.com or Heartfelt.com They work a bit differently but produce similar results. Each has some unique characteristics, either will serve you well.
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:-)

Do NOT use regular cedar for a humidor. Spanish cedar (mahogany) is the way to go.
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I'll side with everyone else on this i've only been into cigars for over a year and i have one 120 count desktop, one 16 bottle wine cooler and it keeps growing.... Good luck in your build!!
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Go BIG, had my buddy build me a 200 ct. desk top, it is full along with a cooler. Here is my one off desk top :-)

Attached:

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As stated, Bigger is Better.
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Awesome pictures, Awesome Build... Anyone else have any personally crafted humidors they wanna share? I'm always looking for design ideas/ improvements...

So I get it... Bigger... My second design looks less like a humidor and more like an old dinner cart with caster wheels, and additional tray, and 8in more depth and height, my only concern is that once I get this thing built it will take a year to fill it... lol

My paycheck comes this Thursday, and we are going parts/supply shopping saturday, so I have to make a decision soon...

Any words of advice or encouragement always appreciated,

Thanks everyone & Good Smoke,

Rob
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Absolutely, 100% use spanish cedar, and not "regular" cedar!

And I would recommend 1/2" thick, personally. Most cheap Chinese-manufactured humidors utilize 1/4" and it just isn't thick enough to do the job.
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check and see if you have a woodcraft store in your area


http://www.woodcraft.com/Stores/Default.aspx


i made mine out of black walnut and used 1/4" SC to line it.
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Unfortunately there aren't any near me. Thanks for the help though...
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there's one in knoxville and one in greenville.

not too sure how far they are from you.
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