Used cedar boxes in my coolerdor...

[Pete]

I went to the local shop and they gave me 6 empty cedar cigar boxes to put in my coolerdor. One problem - As I'm seasoning them, they smell like cigar smoke (as they've been out of their humi's in the shop where people smoke).

The smell isn't too strong, but I know it's there...not that crisp new cedar smell. Should I purchase some new trays (I've found em for like $9 each)? Or should I use these boxes?

Will the mild smell affect the aging process of my sticks? Will it ever go away and go back to smelling like new cedar again?

Thanks for the advice!

[JaKaAch]

I would get a dust mask and lightly sand them. That should bring out a fresh cedar smell and get rid of the smoky odor.
Sand them outside on a windy day will also help you avoid breathing the dust from sanding.

[wharfrathoss]

anytime you're working w/cedar you want more than a dust mask-another gorilla recently posted about how he wore a mask & still had problems-please use a respirator instead & make sure you get the correct type of filters/cartridges-explain to them at the store what you're doing & they should be able to help you
i've used boxes from the shop w/no ill effects-if it really bothers you, just set them outside to air out for a few days

[Pete]

Thanks for the advice, guys!!! I'll just make sure NOT to breathe that shtuff in!

[jerseynewbie]

Originally Posted by wharfrathoss

anytime you're working w/cedar you want more than a dust mask-another gorilla recently posted about how he wore a mask & still had problems-please use a respirator instead & make sure you get the correct type of filters/cartridges-explain to them at the store what you're doing & they should be able to help you
i've used boxes from the shop w/no ill effects-if it really bothers you, just set them outside to air out for a few days

I was the "another gorilla recently posted" referenced in the above quote. If you're just sanding without a belt sander and doing a small amount, probably a bandana tied around the mouth would be sufficient. Yesterday I tap-drilled all 140 pieces and assembled the shelves, including lightly sanding a couple of pieces, without any lung aggrevation (no mask, indoors).

I think it was just the massive quantity of dust inhaled while ripping all those board feet of lumber that caused the aggrevation. Then again, my lungs have been abused more than most, so if you want to play it safe a respirator, I say go for it.

[tzaddi]

I have multiple sizes of the Cohiba slide top cedar boxes in my coolerdor. I had to buy them from my B&M, but well worth it. I selected boxes that are unvarnished and have a minimal amount of plywood. The Cohibas are solid cedar except for the sliding top and attached bottom. They work great, I've found that they create a good buffer in an environment where the humidity can fluctuate.

I also purchased 6 cedar trays from http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/Pr...ctid=ACC-TRAYS
Bargain Humidors was a little slow and hard to get a hold of after I placed my order, something about a server problem that seemed to effect everything from phones to email. This is always nerve racking when dealing with a new vendor. The first shipment was sloppily packed resulting in 2 broken trays. When someone did respond, she (Jen Conrad) was very pleasant and helpful. She sent out replacments and I repaired the broken ones they said I could keep. A bonus for my troubles.

I use sheets of cedar, (that come in some boxes), to top off the open trays of cigars. This gives exrtra protection when stacking and also adds to the "cedarosity" of the coolerdor. I get those free from the B&M.

Depending on the size of the cooler I recommend a combination of both, tray and boxes. I have an Igloo 165 QT, center lid hatch for quick access. It claims to keep ice up to 7 days with 90° F outside temps. Bought it at Costco for $75.

Hope that helps.

P.S. I love opening it up once in a while and sticking my head in there...like heaven, Mmmmmmmmm.

[Pete]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

I think I'll probably hit the boxes w/ some fine sandpaper and see how that works. If it doesn't give me the smell I want, I guess I can just buy some of the trays for $10 each.

And holy $hit!!! 165 qt is crazy! I'd need a second job to fill that...

[jerseynewbie]

Originally Posted by Pete

Thanks for the advice, guys!

I think I'll probably hit the boxes w/ some fine sandpaper and see how that works. If it doesn't give me the smell I want, I guess I can just buy some of the trays for $10 each.

And holy $hit!!! 165 qt is crazy! I'd need a second job to fill that...

If you don't want to use your current wooden boxes because of smoke smell, but you still want to keep them enclosed rather than putting them in trays, there's another option. You can get ten WOODEN boxes for $20 through CI (not to be confused with the ten decorative boxes for $10). I wish I would have know about this before, I spent $60 (total with shipping) to get 20 boxes off ebay, when all I really needed was 10.