Building my own humidor, but have a question.

[DaReallyPoGigolo]

I've been building my own humidor as a fun project for a few weeks now, doing a little work here, a little work there. I'm getting to the point where I'm going to cut the cedar lining for the floor and sides. Based on what I've read on the forum, I should not glue the cedar walls in, but rather just miter them so that they fit well on their own. My question is, why? I know that the wood will swell when it absorbs moisture, but why would that make a difference if it's glued? Either way, glued or not, the swelling will be held in check by the outer hardwood of the humidor. I would think that if the walls were not glued, they would bow out when they swelled.

Now, despite my line of thinking, there are more experienced builders and craftsmen who say that they should not be glued, and by all means I trust their judgement, experience, and knowledge. I would just very much like to know why no glue, and would like to know where the hole is in my logic?

Thanks in advance guys.

[Stonefox]

The glue could leave a residual odor that may take quite awhile to go away. Also if it were glued in and the cedar wood were to move with the moisture change, it could crack or split if not allowed to move freely. Its best to let the wood "float" so that damage to the humidor does not occur.

[DaReallyPoGigolo]

Originally Posted by Stonefox

The glue could leave a residual odor that may take quite awhile to go away. Also if it were glued in and the cedar wood were to move with the moisture change, it could crack or split if not allowed to move freely. Its best to let the wood "float" so that damage to the humidor does not occur.

You do make a couple of very good points. Does anyone else here use a glue with no residual scent, or a thick enough cedar lining as to prevent cracking, with successful results? Just curios, I'm always for trying the road less traveled.

[Grammaton]

Originally Posted by DaReallyPoGigolo

Based on what I've read on the forum, I should not glue the cedar walls in, but rather just miter them so that they fit well on their own. My question is, why? I know that the wood will swell when it absorbs moisture, but why would that make a difference if it's glued? Either way, glued or not, the swelling will be held in check by the outer hardwood of the humidor. I would think that if the walls were not glued, they would bow out when they swelled.

It's easier to remove the cedar lining for re-sanding or replacement. Movement won't really be a problem unless the humidity swings are wide enough to affect the cigars adversely. Also, the wood won't get appreciably longer from the absorption of moisture. It will get wider - 1/8" per 6" of width (give or take a little).

[Aaron871]

I glued mine..... it's fine.

You shouldn't glue a cross grain situation, keep that in mind and you will be fine.

[DaReallyPoGigolo]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input.

[smelvis]

I built a real big humidor and asked this question myself. I ended up using carpenters glue and let it cure with the doors open for a couple weeks. I was told once it is cured plan old wood glue will not leave an odor, That was quite a few years ago and all is well.

Good Luck.

BTW CI has a huge humidor for 599.00 they want 250 shipping. Just thought I would bitch a bit. I wanted it darn it.

[DaReallyPoGigolo]

Originally Posted by smelvis

I built a real big humidor and asked this question myself. I ended up using carpenters glue and let it cure with the doors open for a couple weeks. I was told once it is cured plan old wood glue will not leave an odor, That was quite a few years ago and all is well.

Good Luck.

BTW CI has a huge humidor for 599.00 they want 250 shipping. Just thought I would bitch a bit. I wanted it darn it.

250 just for shipping??!!! Think of all of the sticks you could buy with that.....

Cool, that's good to know about the glue. This project has been sitting open in my garage, so the glue should have plenty of room to breathe and cure.

[smelvis]

Yeah nuts isn't it, I was about ready to say hell with it and buy one until I saw the shipping. I did send CI an email saying WTF that's kinda crazy. I am also in the starting stages of building one for me and one for a friend but thought man that's a lot of work and this was a very nice huge humidor at a decent price. So I could wait until next summer to build, I don't have a heated work room and it gets real hard to work in the cold after working all day outside for my job.

On the glue the guy that told me is a master craftsman who works custom stuff and is way smarter than me, he started talking polymers and all sorts of stuff. At that point I decide to just go with the basics and trust him. I still would never use anything real stinky and give it plenty of time to cure.

Have Fun

[old4x4]

Glue won't hurt it. That's what I used on mine. It barely smells when it's wet and it certainly is quite inert when it's dry. Any of the yellow wood glues will suffice. I used Titebond III because it's waterproof. Hopefully, humidity proof as well.

[Dread]

Just use wood glue, I took wood glue and mixed it with the saw dust from the cedar to make a good filler/adhesive. Sealed up all my gaps and was easily sanded down after drying. No odors at all.

[Nitrosportman]

so whats a good plan to use?? i have full woodworking/cabinet shop with all the goodies to build one, so no worries also which hardwood should i use for the outside? and wheres a good place to get the SC???

[Jumes]

Woodcraft, Rockler and fleabay are all good places for the SC. You can search the web for plans or look at examples and go from there. Go big or plan on building more. This was my first one and I already have to build another.