So I decided to make my own humidor...

[Preston]

Hey,
I can’t find one unit that does all the stuff I want at the price I want. So I thought I’d make my own. Does anyone have any advise on the subject or experience? I don’t want a coolidor, I’m looking to make an actual humidor. Here are a few questions I have already,

Where do you get kiln dried Spanish cedar and is there anything special I need other than that?

What glues are safe to use that wont have a scent or get into the cigars?

What is the best way to joint a humidor?

Any advice on creating a good seal would be appreciate.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Devil Doc]

1. Any good hardwood dealer. Not your local lumber yard
2.Elmers carpenters glue. safe for kid's toys
3.45 degree mitre with biscuits for reinforcment
4. Superior woodworking skill.

Doc.

 

[Castaway]

1. Any good hardwood dealer. Not your local lumber yard
2.Elmers carpenters glue. safe for kid's toys
3.45 degree mitre with biscuits for reinforcment
4. Superior woodworking skill.

Doc.

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I was on board until answer #4.

 

[cookie_1978]

I was thinking about the same thing - then my buddy who was going to help me smacked me up side my head and said "why the hell would you spend all that time, money and effort - only to have it not work as well as a one I could buy" - after that I purchased a treasure dome :laugh: - good luck with yours

 

[Shibumi]

You forgot safety glasses and updated medical insurance.

 

[Devil Doc]

You forgot safety glasses and updated medical insurance.

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Men my age don’t wear safety glasses. We also didn’t wear helmets when we rode bikes when we were kids. We played hockey without mouth pieces played with real guns and we all managed to survive. Don't get me started. :laugh:

 

[CalixEros]

1. Devil Doc is right, a good hardwood dealer should have it or be able to get it for you. Kiln dried spanish cedar should be used for the lining because it doesn't distort much under humidity. The wood is also naturally resistant to molds and insects that could destroy your cigars. The outside of the box can be made out of anything. If you lacquer the inside before you install the lining, it will strengthen the box even more.

2. I also agree with Devil Doc on the Elmers, it's cheap and some of the best stuff you can get.

3. For joints, it all depends on what equipment you have and how strong you want the box to be. A table saw and dado blade would sure be handy for building the whole box. A lock miter joint would be the strongest but also one of the harder joints to create. Are you experienced with woodworking at all? A mitered rabbet joint would be my second choice. With mitred edges and biscuits you'd have to use a thicker exterior wood to accomodate the biscuit (I think a #0 biscuit is 5/8" wide), adding to the overall cost. Are you looking to create a small simple box or something larger?

I'd build a solid box out of whatever the exterior wood is going to be. Then bandsaw it in half to get a perfect fit. The spanish cedar lining should have mitered corners. Hold the lining on the top up a little bit and let the bottom extend past the box opening to create a nice fit. Don't use any adhesives or fasteners on the lining; when it absorbs moisture it will hold itself in place.

 

[Preston]

Thanks for the advice. I’m a novice with woodworking but my friend builds cabinets and furniture for fun. He’s really good at it. I was wondering about the seal, I’ve heard that you want some air to get out, is that true? If so how much?

I’m looking for a nightstand size box, with a drawer and lower area for boxes. Are there any hardwood’s that are better than others?