quote:

Originally posted by Boknows:

quote:

Originally posted by Benjamin Alexander:
On to that subject, they have three variety of beads, 60%, 65%, and 70%. Could someone explain to me what difference those make?

It's pretty straight forward, beads that keep 60, 65, and 70 for humidity... unless you're asking something else?

65% would be good if you smoke the cigars out of the coolerdor on a day-to-day basis, but 70% would be better for long term aging where you won't touch them for a few years. Looking at the size of Ben's cooler, I assume he's using it for aging?

i was under the impression that lower rh like 65% was better for aging plus it also helps smokes that ship wet it prevents them from things like mold and splitting due to to much rh

quote:

Originally posted by rrtree:
i was under the impression that lower rh like 65% was better for aging plus it also helps smokes that ship wet it prevents them from things like mold and splitting due to to much rh

Just my opinion, but your impression is correct.

So 70% humidity would be good for a desktop humidor that gets opened alot and I take my regular smokes out of, but for the aging uses of my coolerdor I need to use 65%? So what is 60% used for?

i think you'll find out most recommend 65% to be the best rh. i keep both mine at 65 to 67 and they seem to smoke good.alot of people seem to have draw problems when keep at 70%

I keep my coolerdors at ~65% RH and my desktops at ~67% RH. It works for me.

Seems like some are misunderstanding my view on 70% humidity. See text in bold below. I would store cigars at 70% for aging, and before smoking them, I would sit them in a 60-65% environment for a few weeks. I know better than to light up a damp cigar.

quote:

Originally posted by Boknows:
It's pretty straight forward, beads that keep 60, 65, and 70 for humidity... unless you're asking something else?

65% would be good if you smoke the cigars out of the coolerdor on a day-to-day basis, but 70% would be better for long term aging where you won't touch them for a few years. Looking at the size of Ben's cooler, I assume he's using it for aging?

I disagree with 70% RH for aging. If anything, I'd keep the aging RH at or lower than 65%. Just one opinion, but I believe that many folks aging cigars-- particularly CCs-- would agree.

I put my Rubbidor together almost a year ago.

I used a top closing CleverLatch Rubbermaid 52 qt see through. Put some rubber foam wheather stripping around the top. Used some velcro to attach the cedar sheets on the sides (not all done). Added a Cigar Oasis XL, some heartfelt humi-beads in the smaller sacks (3/4 lb), a Caliber III digital hygrometer and my cigars.

Its not as air tight as the cooler but it doesn't really need to be. I keep it down low near the floor in the furnace room since it stays cool in the summer and is heated to 70ish in the winter.

It can hold approximately 400 cigars.
I also added some spanish cedar trays (2) and made a one with a PSP2 box.

I set my RH to 64% and check it every now and then. The humi-beads are only there as a backup.

Hear are some pics:

Rubbidor pic1
Rubbidor pic2
Rubbidor pic3

cigar-monkey, nice pics and setup!

Thanks Boknows, It works for now and was cheap.

If I win the lottery one day I would love to get a cabinet like this and just fill to capacity:

Ultimate Humidor pic

So, I'm making another change to the cooler, and now I will be using the following cooler. Found it on sale at Wal-mart for $70, and I doubt I'll fill it up anytime soon. I am now interested in lining it with spanish cedar, since that seems to be a major key in the absorption/release of humidity in a humidor. Anywho, here is the new cooler, massive as it is!

Igloo 150 qt. Quick & Cool

quote:

Originally posted by Benjamin Alexander:
So, I'm making another change to the cooler, and now I will be using the following cooler. Found it on sale at Wal-mart for $70, and I doubt I'll fill it up anytime soon. I am now interested in lining it with spanish cedar, since that seems to be a major key in the absorption/release of humidity in a humidor. Anywho, here is the new cooler, massive as it is!

Igloo 150 qt. Quick & Cool

Nice. Here's one source for your spanish cedar:

http://www.constantines.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1362

and another:

http://www.thewoodbox.com/exoticwoods/spanish-cedar.htm

I'm sure that there are others out there. Good luck.

Your second link looks like a good option. How would you guys suggest I apply the spanish cedar veneers to the inside of the cooler? Velcro, double stick tape, some sort of glue or adhesive? Those of you who HAVE a humidor or have made one in the past, how did you do it?

I used some cheap double-sided tape; it worked fine.

You'd rather not use glue. Chemicals from many glues keep flying around for quite while - that's something you don't want in a sealed container with your cigars inside. I know there are neutral glues, but why bother searching if double sided tape or velcro should do the job. Another solution might be some type of plastic (preferrably not rubber) suction cups - no chemicals there, just good ol' vacuum.

Benjamin, did you buy all the materials yet and/or figure out exactly what you are doing? I want to see some pictures. (that is if you have them and don't mind)

I simply use plastic storage containers and throw some cedar sheets on the bottom and scatter some cedar blocks around. I have pics posted -- go to www.myspace.com/cigarblog then click on "Pics" and look for the group of photos titled "Mass Storage." Even cheaper than a Coolerdor and has served me well for over 10+ years.

I'm still debating on the issue. Whatever avenue I choose, I am going to do it well. If I go the coolerdor route, I'm going to line it well with spanish cedar veneers, as well as wire it for an electronically controlled humidification unit w/ fans. All of that will cost me some time and a significant amount of money, while my other alternative is to purchase the cabinet style humidor that I've been looking at as well, which has plenty of storage room, and comes already fitted with the needed electrical outlets, and also has a drawer to accommodate singles.

Right now I am undecided. I am extremely anal when it comes to things like this, and HORRIBLY undecisive when it comes to making purchases, albeit deep down inside I know that I should just buy the damn igloo for $70 at Wal-Mart and get some heartfelt beads in mesh bags and spend the extra money on stocking the damn thing. Rather than spending about $1000 on something that is going to look nice and be super-functional, and have nothing in it.

I choose heartfelt beads over kitty litter or other crystal or gel humidification elements, because they have the ability to ABSORB extra humidity as well as release it. I live in a very humid region (everyday RH outside is generally around 90%), so there will be days when the humidity needs to be controlled in that respect. Also, I know that the spanish cedar that is used in the lining of humidors plays a HUGE role in the humidification process, given its incredible ability to hold moisture.

So, this leaves me with the following approach. Purchase the igloo from Wal-Mart, order some beads and mesh bags, and order about a dozen spanish cedar trays to store singles and cigars that come in crappy boxes in.. All said and done, should cost me UNDER $200, leaving a good chunk of money left for buying cigars.

Just go for it! Igloo or Tupperware or Rubbermaids are cheap. The beads and/or cigar oasis you'll need anyway. By a few trays you don't need that many if most of your cigars are in boxes anyway.

Then order your cigars and fill, fill, fill.

Best wishes.

I've started my Coolerdor project thanks to the inspiration from Ben. I can't wait any longer since my cigars can no longer fit into my humidors!

I just ordered Heartfelt beads and this sleak looking hygrometer. I'm still researching on the cooler. I've read that Coleman insulates and keeps cool the best. That is a big factor since it gets hot where I live in the summer which is also why I need a coolerdor instead of a big tupperware like the ones of cigar-monkey and ECord. I might not line the coolerdor with Spanish cedar as I'll be keeping boxes in there, but if need to, I think I'll use velcro for the cedar strips.