Just ordered some beads

[Tim]

I just ordered a half pound of 65% beads for my 150 count humidor. Right now the humidity is around 72 and some of the cigars are too soft for my taste. I was using some of that CI-gel and it works but the cigars seem too humidified. Hopefully the 65% beads will bring her down to a better smoking level.

Quick question. I have a little cedar tray to put the beads in, is it ok for them to directly touch the cedar, or should I place them in something.

With this site my new cigar collection is growing pretty quick. I need to smoke some more to keep up with how fast I buy them. Might have to do a trade sometime soon to see if I can get some variety to try out.


-Tim

 

[The Volusianator]

They can sit right in a cedar tray, just don't let any cigars rest against them. In addition, the more surface area the better, so a tray would be better than a cup. I just got 3 pounds in late last week, they're all I use, great product.

 

[badhangover]

just don't let any cigars rest against them.

Hmmmm, although I wouldn't have considered doing this, I was not aware direct contact between the cigars and beads would be detrimental. I really don't see why they would have an adverse effect, but I'm no rocket scientist either. Perhaps Viper or N2 could lend their expertise in this.

A dish is a good idea. I'd suggest spreading them out a bit more. There are the tubes available. I use aquarium bags spread out in various locations. Some people use panty hose.

 

[Gonz]

If they are in direct contact with the cedar, they might pick up some of the oils and cedar material. Which will possibly make them look dirty and could affect how they work. I'm sure Viper might chime in here shortly.

 

[viper139]

I would not suggest that you have the beads in direct contact with the cedar, the beads will absorb the oils in the cedar and become discolored. With prolonged direct contact their performance will start to degrade as well. If you can find a leftover dish that fits in the cedar tray as a liner, you will then have the appearance of the cedar tray but the beads will be safe.

The other part of your question. The beads can be in direct contact with your cigars with no harm to your cigars, as long as the beads were not over hydrated and are wet.

 

[The Volusianator]

I would not suggest that you have the beads in direct contact with the cedar, the beads will absorb the oils in the cedar and become discolored. With prolonged direct contact their performance will start to degrade as well. If you can find a leftover dish that fits in the cedar tray as a liner, you will then have the appearance of the cedar tray but the beads will be safe.

The other part of your question. The beads can be in direct contact with your cigars with no harm to your cigars, as long as the beads were not over hydrated and are wet.

Hmmm, I never would've guessed that having them in the cedar would be bad! Thanks for that info. The part about not letting them touch your sticks was just for that reason, if the beads are wet, wouldn't that make that particular wrapper more moist too? Great info Viper.

 

[viper139]

If the beads are properly hydrated, 65-70% clear and the rest opaque or white, the beads will not give off liquid moisture just gas. The wrappers will not get wet from the beads then.

You are also correct, the beads will absorb oils from the cigars just as they do from the cedar. I should have made that clearer, thanks. I just wanted to point out that the beads will not injur the cigars.

 

[Tim]

What type of buffer should I have between the beads and the cedar? As long as there is no direct contact will the beads be ok, or do I need some sort of moisture barrier such as plastic?

When I bought my humidor it came with a special cedar divider that holds a western humidfier. It looks like 2 dividers attached together and the sides have holes for the humidity to escape from. I lined the sides with nylon screening so that nothing can fall out the holes, but the bottom is still bare. Will the screening be enough of a gap from the cedar or should I add something else. I am trying to find a picture of the divider to show.

Thanks Viper


-Tim

 

[Zeebra]

What type of buffer should I have between the beads and the cedar? As long as there is no direct contact will the beads be ok, or do I need some sort of moisture barrier such as plastic?

Use pantyhose or a mesh bag.

Here is an example: (bought the bag at a craft store for like $1)

 

[Chemyst]

I recently got my beads and an empty 1oz. tube.

It occurred to me that a plastic petrie dish with
a top drilled with holes, or covered with mesh
would also provide good surface area.

My 150 ct humi has a recessed bottom for 2 large
humidifiers, and the 1 oz. tube fits there very
well. A petrie dish is no taller(about 3/4"),
and would easily fit the other side of the recessed
bottom.

Link for plastic petrie dishes:
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?p...hcd2=1163703393

I'm also considering drilling many small holes in an
empty aluminum cigar tube to add capacity for more
beads. This is probably the easiest and cheapest way.

Chemyst

 

[Shooter]

Pop open the humidifier that came with your humi, remove green sponge, put screen material over the slots, fill with beads, snap back together and wammo, you have a humidifier...

 

[denverdog]

Pop open the humidifier that came with your humi, remove green sponge, put screen material over the slots, fill with beads, snap back together and wammo, you have a humidifier...

That is what I did for my desktop and it works like a champ.

 

[Tim]

Pop open the humidifier that came with your humi, remove green sponge, put screen material over the slots, fill with beads, snap back together and wammo, you have a humidifier...

That is what I did for my desktop and it works like a champ.

Thats what I was thinking, but I would like to be able to see the beads so I know how moistened they are. I will figure something out and then maybe post up a picture when its all set. Thanks for the advice everyone.

-Tim

 

[The Volusianator]

Pop open the humidifier that came with your humi, remove green sponge, put screen material over the slots, fill with beads, snap back together and wammo, you have a humidifier...

That is what I did for my desktop and it works like a champ.

Thats what I was thinking, but I would like to be able to see the beads so I know how moistened they are. I will figure something out and then maybe post up a picture when its all set. Thanks for the advice everyone.

-Tim

If you're handy, cut out the top plastic (just the center where the slots are) on the humidifier lid and replace it with screen.