A Look at the Humidor Plan

There are many styles of humidors that range from the smaller traveling humidor to the large cabinet and even walk-in room humidors. By far, the most popular humidor is the glass top humidor also referred to as the desktop humidor.

While many people will choose to purchase an already made humidor, for those who are more inclined, the art of making one’s own humidor can be a very appealing idea and lend bragging rights at the same time. By making one’s own humidor, the cigar aficionado can choose the materials, the size, the design and the specific humidifier for his or her own personal creation. The only limit is the imagination of the individual. Whether one chooses to make a simple, rectangular box design or one decides to be more elaborate, choosing to tool the wood with intricate designs, there is no wrong approach.

Performing a simple search for a humidor plan, one can find a wide variety of designs and plans, some for free and some for very inexpensive prices. If one so chooses, there are even plans on the internet for making a humidor out of Tupperware®. One can make any humidor from the traveling humidor to the glass top humidor to the cabinet humidor. The biggest question one must ask is how much time and effort does one want to invest in the finished product.

The major materials for starting ones own project include:

• Cherry or rosewood (for external sides of the humidor)
• Spanish cedar (for the interior finish)
• Hinges (for the top)
• Hygrometer (mounted externally for monitoring)
• Humidifier (for maintaining humidity levels)
• Propylene glycol and distilled water (to maintain humidity levels)
• Weather stripping material (to maintain a tight seal)

The basic process for making a humidor from wood with the hygrometer and the mechanical humidifier is as follow:

• Cut the cherry wood to make a bottom, the four sides and the lid
• Cut the Spanish cedar to fit inside the cherry and to be used as the internal lining
• Drill a hole in the front wall of the humidor to receive the hygrometer
• Place weather-stripping around the hole where the hygrometer will be inserted and mount the hygrometer
• Attach the walls and the bottom of the humidor according to the design.

Usually, with smaller cases, simple wood glue can be used with small brad nail for support

• Insert the humidifier according to the instructions for the specific humidifier purchased
• Mount the lid hinges to the lid and then mount this to the back wall of the humidor
• Attach weather-stripping along the lip of the humidor where the lid will sit
• Turn the humidor on and allow it to run for at least 24 hours to test the operation and to ensure that the humidifier maintains an approximate 70% humidity level
• After checking, place your cigars in the humidor and enjoy

There are many variations of humidors, affected by taste, requirements and funds available.  However, the above plan describes simple steps for building an effective humidor.