Basic engg questions

[RaiderinKS]

Folks,

I am considering taking up a badass custom humidor as my next pet project for myself, but I have several questions. Anybody that can help with background and/or engineering information is awesome in my book. Without further ado:

Why do we use cedar in humidors?
What is the full range of temperatures that people would consider "optimum"?
I already know that RH% preferences range from ~62% to 75%.

Lastly, and I especially need the help of an engineer on this one, which is a better container: airtight or slightly exhaustive?


Thanks!

[JPH]

MY

We use aromatic Spanish cedar for two reasons:
1. It's ability to hold moisture
2. Oh it smells so nice

What is the full range of temperatures that people would consider "optimum"?
This is a really subjective one but my guess would be 63-73 F

Well nothing is airtight they say.... I love a cooler which is pretty close to airtight.

Hope this helps....

[jdean33442]

I believe the cedar is used because it soaks up moisture and retains it keeping the humidor, well, humid.

Not sure what some would consider optimal temp though. But I can tell you too hot and humid == bastard beetles.

Keep it cool and beetles don't hatch.

Originally Posted by RaiderinKS

Folks,

I am considering taking up a badass custom humidor as my next pet project for myself, but I have several questions. Anybody that can help with background and/or engineering information is awesome in my book. Without further ado:

Why do we use cedar in humidors?
What is the full range of temperatures that people would consider "optimum"?
I already know that RH% preferences range from ~62% to 75%.

Lastly, and I especially need the help of an engineer on this one, which is a better container: airtight or slightly exhaustive?


Thanks!

[BigBasMan]

This link may be helpful:

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...hlight=cabinet

And maybe this as well:

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...hlight=cabinet

[jloutlaw]

Originally Posted by JPH

Well nothing is airtight they say.... I love a cooler which is pretty close to airtight.

It would be difficult to maintain humidity level otherwise.

[livwire68]

Just remember it is not regular cedar, its spanish cedar! There is a difference! do some searches here on spanish cedar. It should be able to provide some helpful hints to some of your questions.

[BigBasMan]

Originally Posted by livwire68

Just remember it is not regular cedar, its spanish cedar! There is a difference! do some searches here on spanish cedar. I should be able to provide some helpful hints to some of your questions.

Mmmmm......cedar closet cigars.....

[Ermo]

Spanish cedar can be expensive, you can substitute mahogany. Some cedar to line the inside and/or shelves is good.

[BigBasMan]

Originally Posted by Ermo

Spanish cedar can be expensive, you can substitute mahogany. Some cedar to line the inside and/or shelves is good.

Spanish cedar is actually a species of mahogany, correct?

[LeafHog]

Originally Posted by BigBasMan

Spanish cedar is actually a species of mahogany, correct?

correct!

[Snakeyes]

The cedar absorbs moisture (acts like a buffer). As mentioned before, you must buy the correct wood (in fact, Spanish cedar isn't even real cedar, it's a type of mahogany if I'm not mistaken). Here are some good sites that sell Spanish Cedar for humi construction:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...r&cookietest=1

http://www.internetlumber.com/lumber...-Lining-4-sqft

And here is a link for some SC trays:

http://www.cheaphumidors.com/Merchan...duct_Code=TRAY

Hope this helps

[RaiderinKS]

Yeah, I am thinking alot more along the lines of actual engineering design here. Also, it seems that lots of people engineer for temperature (and by that, I mean they use some kit or relatively cookie cutter electrical system) and then just throw in an Oasis and beads or some other humidifier system. I instead am thinking along the lines of a custom humidor that includes a built in custom humidifier.

I also managed to find a site that gives some decent reasons for stuff like the spanish cedar. It isn't quite scientific, but it contains info I would consider believable on the surface.

http://www.humidor-guide.com/

I am starting to think about an air exchange system now as well. Now I *really* need the help of a ME.

[The Pict]

Originally Posted by RaiderinKS

I am starting to think about an air exchange system now as well. Now I *really* need the help of a ME.

Good luck to the both of you ( ), and please keep us informed of your progress. Pics are also highly appreciated!

[livwire68]

You could alway just get a humi and enjoy the smokes for awhile and contemplate the situation over many of them smokes. As you hang out here you may find that there are 10,000 different thing you can/could do rather than wish you would have done.

[RaiderinKS]

Ok, you guys (that aren't EE's) can't imagine how incredibly complicated this has already become. I will let you all see my design in about a month.