Expert: James Yee - 5/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear James,

I've just received my humidor, I'm pretty happy with the purchase but one of the inside bracket that holds the upper tray has fallen off. Rather than sending it back (the postage would cost a bomb), i thought of gluing it back. What kind of glue should i use?

Cheers,
Zain

ANSWER: Hi Zain,

The best glue to use in a humidor is Titebond II Premium Woodworking glue.  It's water resistant, has minimal odour and is quick-setting.  Just be sure to let the glue fully dry before using the tray in your humidor.  

Another excellent glue is Elmer's Probond wood glue.  This glue is also resistant to mold, water and mildew.  

You can find both glues at most woodworking, lumber or home-repair stores.  

Hopes this helps.

Regards,
James

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

QUESTION: Hi James,

Thank you very much you've been extremely helpful. I've got another problem which I'm perplexed. The new western caliber 3 hygrometer which i have calibrated with Boveda calibration kit. And i've also got a Hygroset Digital from my previous purchase. I've put both of them side by side in the humidor and the reading of the rh is 5%, the western reads 63 and hygroset reads 68. This where is becomes really odd, now i've recalibrate my hygroset, it was actually reading perfectly. The boveda calibration kit is still within 3 months usage period.

Regards,
Zain

Answer
Hi Zain,

First, the Western Caliber 3 has a slow response reading so you should let both hygrometers sit in your humidor for a few hours.  This will allow the Caliber 3 to fully adjust to the humidity.  After a few hours, check both hygrometers.  If their humidity readings match, both are accurate.  If their readings still do not match, both hygrometers will require salt testing again to determine which one is inaccurate.

When checking the hygrometers for accuracy, it's best to salt test them at the same time.  Place both hygrometers in a medium-sized Tupperware container with a small dish containing 1 teaspoon of salt and a few drops of distilled water.  Mix the salt mixture until it has a crumbly texture.  Let both hygrometers sit in the Tupperware container with the salt mixture for at least 8 hours.  (Don't let the salt mixture touch or spill onto the hygrometers!)  If both hygrometers display a reading of 75%, they're perfectly accurate.  If one or both hygrometers does not display 75%, calibrate them so that they now read 75%.  Your hygrometers are now accurate.

I'm not sure if the Boveda calibration kit is faulty or not so it's best to do an independent salt test on your hygrometers.  If you encounter any problems with the salt test, just let me know.

Regards,
James