Mahogany vs. Cedar

[Bandit0594]

Let me preface this post by saying that I have been lurking on this site for the last couple weeks trying to soak up the most information I can. I have tried the search function but just not finding the right info. I am going to be building a new humidor and need to address the Honduran Mahogany vs the Spanish Cedar issue. The humidor I plan to build is going to be approximately 42" wide x 32" tall x 18" deep. The outside will either be knotty pine or knotty alder with leather panels, glass doors and a glass top. In this size it seems more practical to build the interior with a sheet good such as the Mahogany since I can't find Spanish cedar in sheets around my area. The glass top will open to access a singles box on top that will be built with Spanish cedar. The bottom portin will be strictly used ofr boxes. It is my understanding that the main benfit of Spanish cedar is mostly for the aroma. Will there be enough Spanish cedar in my humidor to accomplish this?

On a side note, I want to thank everyone who posts on this site for giving me info on a brand new hobby. For someone who has been smoking "quality" cigars for a little over a month, you guys sure got me hooked!

[rumballs]

there's some info here...
http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...light=mahogany

[Bandit0594]

Alright, I feel kind of dumb. I do not know how I missed that one. Looks like I am in good shape though. I still think I am going with the spanish cedar tray in the top so I can get a little smell-anti-bug thing going. Thanks for the quick answer and for not throwing me under the bus for the weak searching skills!

[Da Klugs]

More of a headrush (smell) opening one that is cedar lined.

The cigars are already in cedar cabs or paper faced cedar boxes. Gotta believe that what cabinet material you choose will have little affect on anything other than loose singles inside.

[joed]

Some of the more experienced woodworkers may jump in and correct me - but spanish cedar is neither cedar nor from spain. I think it is actually a type of mahogany.

[rumballs]

Originally Posted by Bandit0594

Alright, I feel kind of dumb. I do not know how I missed that one. Looks like I am in good shape though. I still think I am going with the spanish cedar tray in the top so I can get a little smell-anti-bug thing going. Thanks for the quick answer and for not throwing me under the bus for the weak searching skills!

The only reason I knew that thread existed is that I started it - and this isn't one of those topics like "cello on or off" where the second you try searching, you find 20 clearly relavent topics

[mosesbotbol]

Dunhill is big into Mahogany insides and they know a thing or two.

[xxwaldoxx]

Originally Posted by joed

Some of the more experienced woodworkers may jump in and correct me - but spanish cedar is neither cedar nor from spain. I think it is actually a type of mahogany.

i am not 100% sure on that. However they have many things in common. The most noticeable would be that both cause sever irritation in many people while making dust.

The spanish cedar should absorb more moisture as well. It also has less tendency to warp and twish.

Ive worked with both woods on many occasions and personaly would go with the cedar. Mahogany is a hassle to get if you want real Honduran Mahogany, many people carry and sell African Mahogany as a substutute because it costs much less.

Using sheet goods as ossposed to solid is a toss up. It all depends on what thickness you can get. If you would prefer spanish cedar hardwood you can get it through www.Rockler.com. They carry a few different types of exotic woods in varying thickness for projects similiar to this.

If you have experice with veneer you could always buy either species in veneer and glue it to a 1/8" thick substraight.

Anyway, just my

[SUOrangeGuy]

I'm in a little over my head when it comes to building furniture. I did build a 8' oak bar with locking drawers and cabinets with my dad a few years ago (21st birthday present) but he did most of the detail work.

I wish you luck and would love to see some pictures when you are done.

[Jeff]

Everything you ever wanted to know about Spanish Ceder (Cedrela Odorata).
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics...ela/ordota.htm

[Bandit0594]

Thanks everybody for your input. The mahogany I will be using is actually going to be a 3/4 MDF cored plywood. My lumber yard has plenty of Honduran Mahogany in sheets, I figure I will only need one for the lining and shelves. The reason I am going with Mahogany is the availability of sheets. I work full time in law enforcement and part time as a contractor so I don't have a lot of time to be gluing up planks of cedar. I just want something I can get done in a weekend or two. The majority of the project will be the knotty pine or alder, glass and leather. I may find other ways to squeeze in the Spanish cedar but right now I am only planning on using it for the singles tray.

I will definately have some pictures up by this weekend, wish it would hurry up and get here!

[audio1der]

You won't be dissapointed. There are amny of us who appreciated the muted smell of mahogany vs. cedar's powerful aroma.
It has served me and others well- can't wait to see your results!

[Eternal Rider]

Go to www.woodfinder.com and do a serch. You will find many places that handle Spanish Cedar and Manhoney.

[Hammerhead]

Bandit, I've found these people to be very good to work with:

http://www.westpennhardwoods.com/