Splitting cigars?

[Jkbd33]

I have a decent humidor. A basic Analog Hygrometer, and a round sponge type humidifier. I have looked everywhere for the answer and can't find it so I figured you guys would know.

I have a 25 count Humi. I have about 18 in it. I have 4 ERDM and they are fine. I have some others of all different sizes. However I have never had a problem. I purchased some CAO golds and a punch "after dinner". My problem is the punch and half of the CAO the wrappers are cracking and one of the CAO split I can see the binder. Some one please tell me what is wrong. My Hygrometer says 70 on the dot. I do have central air in my home but it's set on 75. I need help I was really mad when I saw my punch wrapper cracked all up and down the side. Is it the Manufacturer? and my humi and Hygro are fine or what.

thanks.

[croatan]

Have you done a salt test to make sure that your hygrometer is accurate?

[DrStrangelove]

Were they were dry when you got them? How long were they in there before they cracked? Maybe they are getting humidified to quickly and swelling, hence the cracked wrappers. That would be my guess atleast. Maybe a FOG will have a more precise (read right) answer.

[Jkbd33]

Originally Posted by DrStrangelove

Were they were dry when you got them? How long were they in there before they cracked? Maybe they are getting humidified to quickly and swelling, hence the cracked wrappers. That would be my guess atleast. Maybe a FOG will have a more precise (read right) answer.

No not dry at all when I got them they were all in smokable shape but I was saving the punch 7.25x46 for the 4 of july.

I never heard getting humidified to quickly. I mean I have a little humi so I think that is the problem. The cigars are extremely close to the humidifier.

[Jkbd33]

Originally Posted by croatan

Have you done a salt test to make sure that your hygrometer is accurate?

No I did the wrap in a towel test when I first got the hygrometer. How does the salt thing test work.

[croatan]

I'm sure you can find better explanations using the search feature, but basically you just place the hygro along with a small container filled with moistened salt into a sealed ziplock type bag, let it sit overnight, and see what the hygro reads. It should read 75.

I would also suggest that you invest $20 into a digital hygro--you can get them from a number of online vendors, or just go to Target or Home Depot.

[Jkbd33]

Originally Posted by croatan

I'm sure you can find better explanations using the search feature, but basically you just place the hygro along with a small container filled with moistened salt into a sealed ziplock type bag, let it sit overnight, and see what the hygro reads. It should read 75.

I would also suggest that you invest $20 into a digital hygro--you can get them from a number of online vendors, or just go to Target or Home Depot.

OK, I guess I am going to have to get a Digital there is something I liked about a analog but guess it's time to get a digital.

[c2000]

Seems like too high of humidity to me..How do the other cigars smoke,,I mean is the draw tight or do they burn uneven this would indicate a humidty problem..

Jerry in Minnesota.

[Moglman]

Originally Posted by c2000

Seems like too high of humidity to me..How do the other cigars smoke,,I mean is the draw tight or do they burn uneven this would indicate a humidty problem..

Jerry in Minnesota.

Listen to these guys. Cigars are hygroscopic and will absorb or lose moisture to match the environment. The most common cause of swelling and splitting is when the cigars humidify too rapidly, such that the outer layers are absorbing large amounts of moisture and the inner layers are still quite dry and can't compress.

Search for "salt test" and you are likely to find that your analog is not accurate, they rarely are. You can find good quality digital hygrometers online (ebay, cigarextras.com,...) and I suggest you don't get the cheapest out there.

Also, go to http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/beads_1.html and think strongly about picking up some beads. Throw away the sponge humidifier. Read the sticky and search for beads and decide for yourself. Based on what I'm hearing about your situation, this is important.

My

[kansashat]

It could be either extreme that you are dealing with. Too much humidity would make the cigar swell & possibly crack, but being too dry could also make it crack if it got jostled, or picked up.
I hate working with desktops as they many times don't seal well. I have had to close quite a few small humis cause I found out they wouldn't hold humidity.
You might want to consider opening a coolerdor.

[opus]

Originally Posted by Moglman

Listen to these guys. Cigars are hygroscopic and will absorb or lose moisture to match the environment. The most common cause of swelling and splitting is when the cigars humidify too rapidly, such that the outer layers are absorbing large amounts of moisture and the inner layers are still quite dry and can't compress.

Search for "salt test" and you are likely to find that your analog is not accurate, they rarely are. You can find good quality digital hygrometers online (ebay, cigarextras.com,...) and I suggest you don't get the cheapest out there.

Also, go to http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/beads_1.html and think strongly about picking up some beads. Throw away the sponge humidifier. Read the sticky and search for beads and decide for yourself. Based on what I'm hearing about your situation, this is important.

My

couldn't say it any better than that. I wouldn't even bother with the salt test. Buy a GOOD digital hygrometer and proper humidifier.

[opus]

Originally Posted by kansashat

It could be either extreme that you are dealing with. Too much humidity would make the cigar swell & possibly crack, but being too dry could also make it crack if it got jostled, or picked up.
I hate working with desktops as they many times don't seal well. I have had to close quite a few small humis cause I found out they wouldn't hold humidity.
You might want to consider opening a coolerdor.

any threads out there on setting up a coolerdor?

[Redman]

Originally Posted by opusxox

any threads out there on setting up a coolerdor?

There should be several, try searching for coolidor or someting along those line and I think you will come up with something. They are really easy to set up, get a cooler ( a big one as you will need it) a couple of pounds of heartfelt beads ( I Perfer the 65%) and a good digi hygro. You will also need a few empty boxes (gotten at the local shop for 1-2 bucks usually) to help fill the volume allowing the humidity to stabilize easier. Take the new cooler and wash it out with some mild unscented soap and let it air dry for a few days, when the plastic smell leaves you are ready to set it up and charge the beads and then it is all a matter of waiting til the humidity levels out and ts is ready to go. I little abbreviated but hopefully it will help you some anyway.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Jkbd33

The cigars are extremely close to the humidifier.

I had a cigar accidently fall onto my standard foam humidifier. Opened the humidor up about 24 hours later to find the cigar was soaked and split. It dosn't take long for a cigar to swell if its too close to the moisture source.

[Mr. White]

Originally Posted by Jkbd33

No not dry at all when I got them they were all in smokable shape but I was saving the punch 7.25x46 for the 4 of july.

I never heard getting humidified to quickly. I mean I have a little humi so I think that is the problem. The cigars are extremely close to the humidifier.

Humidor environment is too wet. The wrappers are splitting because the tobacco filling is swelling due to a high & sudden humidity change. You should try keeping them around 65% if possible and get some 50/50 solution, or better yet, get some 65% beads and a digital hygrometer.