Expert: James Yee - 4/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I recently purchased a new humidor from the imperfect line, it basically has a very minor problem with the lip of the humidor (wood which helps create the seal). It is basically four interlocking panels which I assume were cut too small to fit in the lid tightly. The humidor works perfectly fine however the lip can get annoying pushing it back up every time. I want to glue this in to the lid so the problem is eliminated, the design makes this very easy however my question is what glues are safe to use in a humidor (smell and damage of the wood perhaps) and which glues have no problem staying strong in humid conditions.

I would also like to make use of this time and ask another question if you don't mind, is the humidor (new) supposed to have a weird smell to it? I left it to air out this morning in my garden and it has definitely lost some of the smell (like a peppery wood) however it still lingers slightly. All I am worried about is if I stock it with up with cigars and this smell gets passed on to them it will ruin their original taste.

Thanks a bunch for your time!

~Adam.

ANSWER: Hi Adam,

The interior wood panels in a humidor are meant to be interlocking and loose fit.  Humidors are designed this way because when humidity is introduced to the humidor, the interior panels will expand and be more snug.  It's not recommended that you permanently secure the interior panels with glue or wood screws/nails because the panels could crack and split when they naturally expand and contract with the humidity.  If you haven't seasoned your humidor, season it and the interior panels should swell and have a tighter fit.  (If you need detailed step-by-step seasoning instructions, search my question archive here on Allexperts.com or feel free to just ask me and I will gladly repost the instructions for you.)

If you've already seasoned your humidor and the interior panels are still too loose, try wedging a thin piece of Spanish cedar into the corner joints of the wood panels.  The thin Spanish cedar veneer sheets that are in cigar boxes are perfect for this.  Just cut a small narrow piece to fit in the corner joints.

In regards to the humidor scent, it's natural for cedar humidors to have a peppery smell.  With new humidors, this odour is usually very strong but will soften over time.  Check with the humidor manufacturer or retailer where you purchased the humidor from to find out what type of wood is used inside the humidor.  If your humidor interior is made from Spanish cedar, your humidor is fine and the smell is natural.  If the humidor is made from American Red cedar, you should replace the interior with Spanish cedar (kiln dried) as American Red cedar is too pungent for humidors and will ruin the natural scent of your cigars.

Hopes this answers your questions.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Thanks a lot. Even though I have been researching for a while I didn't know that about the lip. I have just finished wiping down the lip and placing the panels in (wiped those down too), you were right, it fits like a charm. Will it stay fit like that too? About the smell after the 2nd minor wipe down it is nearly gone.

Answer
Hi Adam,

Yes, the interior panels should stay snug as long as you maintain the humidifier device regularly so be sure to recharge the humidification device as soon as the humidity level begins to drop or the humidification device element (the foam core) begins to feel dry.  The ideal humidity level should be between 67-74% humidity while 70% is considered ideal.  As long as you keep your humidity near 70%, your cigars will be in perfect smoking condition.

Regards,
James