Humidor repair question

[Four2]

I'm pretty new to all this, but thanks to you all, I am learning quickly.
I have the chance to buy this humidor from my local B&M really, really cheap. This was a display unit and the glass door got pulled off. I am sure I can repair it, but would like to re-inforce the hinge attachment screws with glue but am worried about fumes, etc. contaminating the humidor. Is it OK to use a glue if I let it cure well? If so, what type?
Thanks in advance for the help.

[ghostrider]

hard to tell from that pic where the hinges are, so hard to let you know how well glue would work. If you buy a good wood glue, you shouldn't have to worry about fumes. Most are water soluble until they dry, and won't put off any noxious fumes. Just don't go using something like gorilla glue or something like that.

Depending on the damage, you might be able to clean up the location where the hinge goes, and maybe use a little larger screw. Another option is to move the hinge location enough to put it in some new wood. If you can't move the hinge, another fix is to mix some sawdust with some good wood glue and fill in the old screw holes. Let it set well, drill a small starter hole for the screw and put the hinges back where they were.

Course it's only 330AM here, and I may just be rambling, but I hope this helps some.

[Zenistar]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

If you can't move the hinge, another fix is to mix some sawdust with some good wood glue and fill in the old screw holes. Let it set well, drill a small starter hole for the screw and put the hinges back where they were.

Another option here is to pack the hole tightly with match sticks / slivers that are cut to the depth of the whole and then rescrew.

[n2advnture]

Originally Posted by Zenistar

Another option here is to pack the hole tightly with match sticks / slivers that are cut to the depth of the whole and then rescrew.

This is the typical repair for an enlarged screw hole - expect a small dowel is usually used as it is a solid piece.

Should be easy as pie bro

~Mark

[Four2]

Great! Thanks for the tips. I thought wood glue would be OK, but the dowel or matchsticks are good ideas as well.
Thanks again.

[Hammerhead]

Basically, any glue that's allowed to dry adequately should be fine. You can try 2-part epoxy, and press it into the holes as though it were putty. Extra strength Elmer's glue has worked for me in the past. Or, of course, there's the ever popular Plastic Wood. Heck, I've even used Krazy Glue (Cyanoacrylate) on occasion, which has a helluva smell, but when cured, is odorless.

I tend to prefer the glue or synthetic wood approach, because it is absorbed by, and bonds with, the fibers of the existing wood, rather than just creating a pressure-fit repair of matches or inserts that might in the future become loose again from age.

[raisin]

When you use the wood sliver repair method, use a wood plug of similar density and hardness, as the humidor construction to insure that the screw goes back in straight. It also helps to dampen the plug with a little glue, to help fill in any small voids.

[caskwith]

Seems like you guys got this one covered.

I personally would not go with a the pressure fitting because the sides are liekly to be thin and it could cause a breakout, i would go with 2part epoxy, mixed with fine swadust for body, inject into the hole to enusre a good fill, then leave to set really hard for a couple of days before drilling a small pilot hole and srewing back in. i have done this many time in the past on very thin edges and it has worked perfectly, in fact i normally do it to all the holes whether they need it or not as it tightens everything up nicely.

[ky toker]

Just don't go using something like gorilla glue

Have you notice an odor coming off the gorilla glue after drying? I haven't used it on a humidor yet so really never paid much attention.

[snkbyt]

whatever you decide to do, use caution and don't rush the repair

[Baric]

A search on the forums may help you in the project a s i know quite a few gorillas have posted on their experiences with building humidors and may have encountered similar problems. Other than that, i think everyone above has covered the issue, hope it works!

[grego]

I have performed this repair a gazillin times, myself, using wood toothpicks and regular wood glue. I shave off a little pieces of the tooth pick, or depending on how damaged the screw hole is just shove a whole glue-soaked toothpick in the hole, and then break it off flush. The screw bites in every time and always holds fast.

Re: the glue concern. As mentioned here already, don't sweat it. The fact is this humidor you are looking at is covered in glue both inside and out. The Spanish cedar is veneer, as is the exterior wood. The base material is MDF. This should be apparent as you look at the damaged hinge points. If you aren't concerned about a glue smell from any of that then no amount of wood glue you use will be any worse.

[Four2]

You are right in that the base is MDF, and there are thin veneers over the ceder. I suspected this was indeed glued, but wanted to make sure it was not something "special" used for humidors so as not to leave a smell or residue. Thanks to you all for the advice. I'll try and keep you all updated on the progress of the repair.

[Four2]

Thanks again to all of you who took the time to give me some advice on repairing the humidor I bought in less than perfect condition.
Here are some before and after pictures of the humidor. The B&M owner said it had never been used except for storeage in the walk-in once the door came off. Till that time it was a display in the store. The glass door hinges were bent slightly and required straightening. Two of the screws holding the glass door on were missing, but as it turns out the holes for the screws were not badly stripped out. I polished all the brass fittings, tightened everything up, and removed the surgeon general warning sticker and now am ready to go.
Not a bad humidor for $75 and a little of my time. Holds about 130 cigars so it will cost way more to fill it than it cost!
First the before shots.

[Four2]

Here are the after shots.
Seasoning is underway!