Expert: M J Robbins - 2/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am making a cabinet humidor which will have a large bottom section for boxes (about 2 cubic feet) connected to a smaller top area for loose cigars (4" deep-2ft x 2ft).  I will be using a cigar oasis for humidity control.  The top area will be lined with Spanish cedar.  I was wondering what type of wood I could line the larger section out of other than Spanish Cedar.  I am worried that other woods may impart a poor flavor into the cigars.  The only reason I am considering another wood is due to cost, but I don't want to jeopardize my smokes.  If Spanish cedar is the only option, should I use veneer, plywood, or solid boards?

ANSWER: Spanish cedar is the only type of wood to use.
Spanish Cedar is also the best in absorbing water and holding humidity.
I remember years ago when Michael Dixon (a famous maker) used some other really fine wood for lining that he thought would be cool and I had customers come back complaining of a weird odor after a few years.
Many companies use spanish cedar veneer and I have never heard a customer comlaint useing this medium.
You could get 1" spanish cedar, cut and mill it to 1/4 inch or less and get a lot out of 1 board. Of course if you don't have the equipment a wood speciality store will charge a lot to cut and mill.
Buy a good size board and have it milled for the box and use the extra to make shelves for shoes in the closet. That is what I did after our business humidor was done. The cedar keeps moths out of the closet and you don't waste a bit of wood that way PLUS your wife gets something out of your project.
So have the wood split into 1/2" pieces than split one side to 1/4" and save the other 1/2" x 8' x 1' piece for a closet shoe rack? Probably depends on the size board you get...
Pick your cedar well as you don't want sapping in the box. In 1995 the wood we used for our store was hard to find in clean form although large quanities were easier to come by then. To the best of my memory we got specially aged cedar?

Lock miter or Double locking miter (double tongue and groove) is esential in construction as moisture can split other types of constrution in solid wood boxes.
Many of the boxes out there, even the best, use some composite wood to keep the boxes from warping and splitting.
I sold some really nice solid 3/4inch Mohogany boxes with double locking miter construction a decade ago. They held up nicely, but needed a sanding of the lip because moisture caused expansion that tightened the box lid.

Cigar Oasis is good to keep up humidity.
Keep in mind leaving space for the air to circulate from bottom to top.

Good luck
MJR

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Great, Spanish cedar it is.  

Here are the details of the cabinet.  I am using an old victrola cabinet made of a mahogany veneered wood that is varnished.  I will "air-tight" the cabinet doors with thin weather stripping and then fully line the interior with the Spanish Cedar.  Roughly how much space should I account for in the lining for expansion once the wood gets to 70% humidity? (Using 1/4" solid cedar lumber, 6" widths.  The main space is 19" x 25" x 15")

Thanks for the advice.

Answer
Leave space so the cedar does not fit tight and you can move them in and out by hand.

If the victrola cabinet corners are just glued together, nailed, or stapled the box might split or come apart with time.

Most boxes do not seal completely to allow for some air flow.

You are not working with an established medium so...
You are on your own and have to adjust the seals and cedar depending on your observations with time. Get a good digital hygrometer and monitor it regularly. Keep a diary of the amount of water used and the quantity of cigars in the box to achieve your desired humidity.
Watch for splitting or warping and correct as you see it.
Don't put any expensive cigars in till you figure it out.
Buy a few hundred cheap cigars (like close out $25 bundles) to put in the box to see what happens over a few months.

A large investment in cigars requires a substantial investment to protect them. I personally suggest a tried tested and true box but-
take care and check it out for months before you put in the good stuff.

Good luck
M