Converting furniture to a humidor

[whiteboard]

Has anyone succesfully converted something such as a large warcquone or other free standing furniture to a humidor? I have a dire need for more space and the larger commercially available cabinet humidors are beyond my current budget. I need something BIG.

I've read the threads about building your own cabinet. It's likely not something I can execute as a first wood working project. And the wine cooler project I'm working on is likely not going to meet my needs -- too small and the plastic is stil outgassing. Just not willing to risk the odors.

I'm going to go one of two routes:

1) Have a local woodworker / cabinetmaker construct me a very basic / no frills box. No glass doors, no hardware -- just a fundamentally sound box with doors that are nearly airtight.

I'm then going to install peltier units with a controller and add humidification. I'm reasonably certain I can handle this part.

2) Is it possible to pick up a used piece of furniture -- such as a warcquone, apply spanish cedar veneer to the interior and retrofit doors that provide a good enough seal?

As much as it pains me to say it, I don't care what this think looks like. I just need a big a$$ box that is structurally sound and that won't impart odors to the cigars. I'm also going with veneer because I can't afford the cedar. I'm willing to take the risk on wood movement and I'm only placing boxes in the humidor. I can also add spanish cedar pen blanks for additional aroma.

Any thoughts about the viability of option 2? Or is it just a headache waiting to happen?

And any suggestions for the best wood to use for the outside of a cabinet that will balance cost with being less likely to be adversely affected by the humidity given that I am going the veneer route?

Any and all comments / insight appreciated.

Tim

[ResIpsa]

Man, I was thinking the exact same thing. I have an armoire that I was thinking of trying to convert into a cabinet humidor, hopefully it can be done.

[Ivory Tower]

Unless you're a good woodworker that can deal with these issues, it seems like the more drawers or other openings the furniture has, the harder it will be to ensure a regulated environment. An amoire might be good because the generally have the two big doors that open to an enclosed space. The basic things seems to be: Make it airtight; and cedar lining (although I've heard that it's not such a big deal.) I have a beautiful mahogany buffet that would be a killer humi, but it's got so many drawers, I just don't think it's viable. Good luck.

[xxwaldoxx]

Originally Posted by whiteboard

2) Is it possible to pick up a used piece of furniture -- such as a warcquone, apply spanish cedar veneer to the interior and retrofit doors that provide a good enough seal?

As much as it pains me to say it, I don't care what this think looks like. I just need a big a$$ box that is structurally sound and that won't impart odors to the cigars. I'm also going with veneer because I can't afford the cedar. I'm willing to take the risk on wood movement and I'm only placing boxes in the humidor. I can also add spanish cedar pen blanks for additional aroma.

Any thoughts about the viability of option 2? Or is it just a headache waiting to happen?

I would say that it shouldnt be a problem depending on the doors. If your armoir has a pair of overlay doors, you can apply a door gasket (found at home depot, mainly used to seal off exterior doors) It has double sided tape and comes in many widths and thicknesses. I would suggest a 1/2" width and 3/8" thickness.

Once you apply the gasket, pick up some magnet catches and put them on the inside of the cabinet. That should hold the doors tight against the gasket creating a seal good enough for what you need.

Check out the inside of the cabinet, if it is a dresser armoir you will be ok, if it is a TV armoir you might have wire access holes to enclose.

Lastly, stick your head completely inside the unit and take a few deep breaths through your nose. Make sure that the sealer in the cabinet doesnt have any odors that will transfer to your cigars. If it doesnt have a smell you should be good to go.

I wouldnt advise veneering the inside of a pre assembled cabinet as it will be a headach getting the veneer to glue evenly. The cigar boxes alone, inside a closed cabinet should be all the cedar you need. If you really want cedar, i would suggest getting some loose peices of hardwood to set inside or velcro to the sides of the cabinet.

Just my

[White97Jimmy]

Another idea is that if it is an open armoir, you could pull out the regular wood shelves and replace them with cedar shelves. That would help.

[ghostrider]

On the topic of armoires, not sure if it makes much difference, but most of the ones you'll find have a cardboard back vs wood, especially if it's intended to be used for a tv.

[whiteboard]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

On the topic of armoires, not sure if it makes much difference, but most of the ones you'll find have a cardboard back vs wood, especially if it's intended to be used for a tv.

I'll be looking for something considerably older.

[opus]

Originally Posted by whiteboard

I'll be looking for something considerably older.

Good idea IMHO. Older wood will not impart as much odor from finish etc. The problem will be good seals on the doors but it can be done. Retro fitting a piece of furniture may be as challenging as building a new piece. I would give up on the veneer idea. Spanish cedar can be had for around $4 a board foot here in Fla.

[whiteboard]

Originally Posted by opusxox

Retro fitting a piece of furniture may be as challenging as building a new piece.

I suspected as much. I think it's going to depend upon the piece. If I can find an armoire with one compartment, well constructed double doors and very square joints, I should be able to make a seal with weather stripping and possibly magnets. Otherwise, I'm better off having someone build a box with the right stock. There's some good deals to be had on antique armoires with cosmetic damage. If I can find one that is simple and structurally sound, but that looks like it had the Civil War fought on it, I could be in great shape. Lots of antique malls around here. Some of the simple modern beechwood IKEA pieces might work, too.

Thanks all for the comments.

[billybarue]

I've thought about the same thing myself. It sounds like you really need a lot of space and would look for an armoire, but for myself I have seen loads of sideboards and buffets that would work for me.
they generally have drawers on the outsides, but in the center portion there is just a big square open area (@ 36in X 24in X 30in), with maybe some shelves (that could be easily removed). I would make the center area the humidor and use the drawers on the outside for booze, wine, and cigar accessories. It would be pretty easy to assemble some stackable trays of cedar for my singles/fivers/samplers and still have loads of room for 20 boxes or so. More than enough space for me (for now). The info on the gaskets and magnets really makes me think it is feasible.
they are very reasonable and they seem to range from $150 to $500. If I do it I would by one of the least expensive ones for a trial run.

joe (aka Billy)

[Texan_To_The_End]

Originally Posted by billybarue

I've thought about the same thing myself. It sounds like you really need a lot of space and would look for an armoire, but for myself I have seen loads of sideboards and buffets that would work for me.
they generally have drawers on the outsides, but in the center portion there is just a big square open area (@ 36in X 24in X 30in), with maybe some shelves (that could be easily removed). I would make the center area the humidor and use the drawers on the outside for booze, wine, and cigar accessories. It would be pretty easy to assemble some stackable trays of cedar for my singles/fivers/samplers and still have loads of room for 20 boxes or so. More than enough space for me (for now). The info on the gaskets and magnets really makes me think it is feasible.
they are very reasonable and they seem to range from $150 to $500. If I do it I would by one of the least expensive ones for a trial run.

joe (aka Billy)

I've had very good luck using a large ancient cedar chest. The only adjustment I made was to seal the lid. It's American Cedar, but almost 100 years old and never had mothballs in it. I use it for box-storage only, and the cigars in their original Spanish Cedar boxes are just fine. I'd think a flea-market/seedy antique shop might have one of these in the $50 range. Mine is really just a large rectangular box nothing fancy, so it could be stood up on end just as easily as sitting flat.