159+ Woodworking Plans For Humidor ~ My Wood Blog

Woodworking for beginners: everything first-timers need to know

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Opening: The Allure of a DIY Humidor

Maintaining the perfect humidity for your cigars is essential for their flavor and longevity. While commercially available humidors can be expensive, building your own is a rewarding project that allows you to customize the size, design, and materials to perfectly suit your needs. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a simple, yet effective, humidor.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools

First, you'll need to collect the necessary materials and tools. Here's a list to get you started:

Kiln-dried Spanish Cedar (for the interior lining)

Exterior wood of your choice (cherry, walnut, oak, etc.)

Wood glue

Clamps

Sandpaper (various grits)

Polyurethane or other sealant (food safe)

Hinges

Humidifier and hygrometer

Wood screws or brad nails

Table saw or hand saw

Miter saw (optional, for precise cuts)

Router (optional, for decorative edges)

Drill

Measuring tape

Pencil

Safety glasses

Dust mask

Step 2: Design and Cut the Wood

Plan the dimensions of your humidor based on your desired capacity. Remember that the Spanish cedar lining will reduce the interior space. Cut the exterior wood pieces according to your plan. Then, cut the Spanish cedar pieces to line the interior, ensuring a snug fit. The interior cedar should be approximately 1/4" thick.

Step 3: Assemble the Humidor Box

Begin by gluing and clamping the exterior wood pieces together to form the main box of the humidor. Ensure the corners are square and let the glue dry completely. Reinforce the joints with screws or brad nails for added strength. Once the exterior box is assembled, glue and clamp the Spanish cedar lining to the inside of the box. Again, ensure a tight fit at all seams and corners. Let the glue dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Build the Lid

The lid should be constructed similarly to the box. Cut the exterior wood for the lid to the appropriate size. If desired, use a router to create a decorative edge. Then, cut the Spanish cedar lining for the inside of the lid, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the cedar lining in the main box. Glue and clamp the lid pieces together, reinforcing as needed with screws or brad nails.

Step 5: Install Hinges

Attach the hinges to the humidor box and lid. Use appropriate sized screws and ensure the lid closes flush with the box. Test the opening and closing action to ensure smooth operation. You might need to make slight adjustments to the hinge placement.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

Sand all surfaces of the humidor, starting with a coarser grit sandpaper and gradually moving to finer grits for a smooth finish. Apply a food-safe sealant (like polyurethane) to the exterior of the humidor to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Allow the sealant to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7: Calibrate the Humidifier and Hygrometer

Season the Spanish cedar lining by wiping it down with distilled water. Allow the water to be absorbed. Then, calibrate your hygrometer using a salt test or Boveda calibration kit to ensure accurate humidity readings. Fill your humidifier with distilled water or propylene glycol solution, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 8: Final Assembly and Seasoning

Place the calibrated hygrometer and humidifer inside the humidor. Close the lid and monitor the humidity level. It may take several days for the humidity to stabilize at the ideal range of 65-70%. Once the humidity is stable, your humidor is ready to store your cigars.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Handcrafted Humidor

Building your own humidor is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a unique and functional storage solution for your cigars. With patience and attention to detail, you can craft a beautiful and effective humidor that will preserve the quality of your cigars for years to come. Remember to regularly monitor and maintain the humidity levels inside your humidor to ensure optimal storage conditions.