Salt test

[Dutchboy]

I picked up a used humidor about a week ago (with 205 cigars) and I'm trying to set the RH. It came with a digital & an analog hygrometer, which differed by over 15%. I am trying the salt test. I put 1 tablespoon of pasty salt into a tupperware type container with the salt paste and the hygrometers. According to the instructions that I found, it's supposed to be at exactly 75% after 8 hours. After just 20 minutes, one is ate 94% & the other is at 89%. I'll see what the RH is in the morning, but I am not sure this will work.

Ideas? Anyone else done this?

Thom
San Diego, CA/USA

[cyberdiver]

I would wait at least 6-8 hrs before you check it. When I did this test, mine also took a while to settle in. My digital finally landed at exactly 75%, and occasionally bounced to 74, then back to 75.

The analogs, unless they are adjustable, or you get luck, are basically there for looks.

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Give it a long time and try to get the temp to 70 I believe. I would keep it in there for atleast a day undisturbed.

check this one
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/html/cig101_12st.asp

[Mark C]

Give it more time to settle down. If you're not convinced, start over. 1 T of salt should take 1/2 T of water. I like tupperware containers instead of plastic bags. And temperature doesn't matter.

Read this:
http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showpos...27&postcount=1

[Dutchboy]

As suggested, but let it settle down overnight and my digital hygrometer read 74%. Thanks!

I used it to calibrate one of the hygrometers at work and now the boss asked me the calibrate the other two.


-Thom

[GMcD126]

Does it matter if its izodized salt? Does Kosher or Sea Salt work as well?

[piperman]

It will go through many stages, I let mine set it the tupperware for 48 hours if not more.

[Dutchboy]

Originally Posted by GMcD126

Does it matter if its izodized salt? Does Kosher or Sea Salt work as well?

I don't think so. Here is a link to a procedure that explains it in more detail:

http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#6.1


-Thom

[GMcD126]

Originally Posted by Dutchboy

I don't think so. Here is a link to a procedure that explains it in more detail:

http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#6.1


-Thom

Thanks - seems like one of the best FAQ i've seen.

[Tarks]

Originally Posted by Dutchboy

I don't think so. Here is a link to a procedure that explains it in more detail:

Cigar Smoker's FAQ


-Thom

Great FAQ. Thanks Dutchboy!

[karmaz00]

yeah i usually let it sit for at least 24, 30 hrs..for it to settle in

[Jack Straw]

I feel like if you use more salt/water, it should equalize faster, correct?

[e-man]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

I feel like if you use more salt/water, it should equalize faster, correct?

Really, it has more to do with surface area. If you took the same amount of salt and spread it out, then it would react faster. If you're just adding more salt paste to the same container, then you probably didn't increase surface area and shouldn't expect much difference. However, it will last longer before it dries out.

[wescoaststogie]

the salt test is not very accurate as there are too many variables at work to get consistent results. in theory it's great but in practice not so much.

but first of all, take the analog and toss it, it's useless junk.

then go buy yourself another digital to use for comparison purposes. i bought three of the cigar shaped hygrometers off ebay and they work great, all within 1% of each other. if you put all the digital hygros in the same container they should be within 1 or 2 pct of each other after a day or so. then you will know for sure the devices are accurate.