Building a new humidor (pictures included)

[ChasDen]

Day Two:

Goal – Build top, get one coat of stain applied and second coat the main body.





First thing I did this morning was second coat the body. Now that is the color I was looking for. A bit chilly in the garage this morning so as soon as the top tacked up I moved it inside to the kitchen table. Off to the local lumber yard to buy the material for the top.



I wanted the two flat spots on the two trim pieces to match up when the lid was closed so I had to do a little trimming of the board on the inside of the lid so I would have room for the cedar. I also cut a grove to recess the top trim so I could sand it smooth when complete.



Here I have the top and sides of the top together and will now install the trim.



All assembled and ready for stain. I spent about 2 hours sanding the top since it will be the most prominent thing you see when you look down at it.



Another view.



First coat of stain is a bit darker than the first coat of the body but it will need another just to be sure.

The body was still not dry enough as of this post to apply a coat of urethane so I will have to wait until tomorrow to apply the first coat. So far all is going about as planed except the slow drying times. Oh well its winter so I will just deal with it.

Chas

[Scud]

Damn, Chas, that looks sweet!!

[jonny0783]

I am jelous ! Very very impressive job! Keep up the good work and I am looking foward to the finished product!

Jon

[OtterAKL4987]

That is really good looking. I wish I had the skills to do something like that. Keep us updated. I love to see projects like this.

[chippewastud79]

Is it possible that these pictures can get any better? Absolutely Amazing Chas!


300th post

[Linder]

This is looking great!

Can't wait to see tomorrow's progress

[ChasDen]

Originally Posted by Linder

I am looking forward to seeing the even bigger one you build next year!

Next year? I do not even have this one done yet and find myself planning the next one.

Originally Posted by Dblbogie

Great work. Have you thought about what you are lining the box with? I am sure the guys here can provide sources for spanish cedar or maybe using luane?

There is a woodcrafters store about an hour from me and they sell Spanish cedar. I have not got that far yet but that is what I plan on using. That will be the most expensive part of this project since I got a lot of the wood for nothing.

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Is it possible that these pictures can get any better?

I have been reducing the photos and converting them to gifs just for the size and loading times because there are so many of them. Once I get a coat or 2 of polyurethane on them I will upload a high quality image. I know some of them look a bit fuzzy but just trying to be web friendly.

Chas

[Mullet]

this thread belongs in the hall of fame.

[Kondour]

That Humidor is beautiful ChasDen!!! Keep up the good work!! Can't wait to see it finished. How many smokes will it hold? What's the process of getting the chemical smell out from the stain?
Cheers,
Derek

[Smoked]

You have some pretty good skills there. Take your time as there is no need to rush it. This could be something that you and your family use for a very long time.

[ChasDen]

Day 3: Setbacks

Not sure what happened but when I woke up and checked the humidor on day 3 something had gone horribly wrong. The only thing I can figure there was something in the rag I used to wipe down after the final coat of stain. It looked like oil and vinegar. So I spent the day stripping off the last coat of stain and re-sanding the whole thing. At this point the humidor shell is complete and the final coat of stain is on and dry. I have 1 coat of polyurethane on it sanded and the second coat is drying as I type this. I ordered the cedar today and they say it will take a week to get here. The beads get ordered tomorrow.

Here is a picture after the first coat of poly and before sanding. The lid is sitting on the base to give you an idea of what the final product will look like.



Over the next week I will apply at least 4 more coats of poly and post a higher quality picture then. Once the cedar gets here I will line the box and make the shelves. I will update this again then.

Chas

[OSIRIS]

Damn that thing looks nice, you do great work. How many sticks you think you'll fit in there?

[nozero]

You sir are a fine craftsman! Excellent work and thanks for sharing the process. Great pictures!

[Bax]

Nice work! You could make a little side business here I think.

[ChasDen]

Originally Posted by nozero

You sir are a fine craftsman! Excellent work and thanks for sharing the process. Great pictures!

Thanks.

The inside measurements work out after cedar to 20 by 11.5 by 6.5 high. That’s just a tad less than 1500 square inches. I figure around 300 sticks of assorted sizes.

Chas