Building a Coolidor Finally

I have been shopping around for a larger humidor, but I just couldn't see buying any of those Chinese-made things. While I am not opposed to them on the basis of they are TOTAL crap, they just didn't quite meet my expectations in size, color or operation. (For example, I have a HARD time believing that huge sheet of glass in a door with a 3 inch frame is going to seal.) My wife didn't like any of the sizes or colors, but she agreed to let me get one.

Well, I finally decided to go the Coolidor way. Today, I bought a 150 QT Coleman Cooler that has the slots in it. I ordered some Spanish cedar 3/8" planks to make the shelves. I bought a hygrometer from Walmart (snicker). I ordered 1.5 pounds of Heartfelt 65% humidity beads. I also checked on some 2" high density foam to set the cooler on. JoAnne Fabric sells it. (If anyone has a better idea, let me know.) Finally, I ordered 8 12.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inch trays with dividers. I don't want to keep opening boxes to move cigars around. I just want them in the open so I can look at them.

I'll post pictures when I get the ingredients all at my house and when I get it together and loaded. I'm pretty excited about it, even though it's a simple thing. :smiley37:

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Originally Posted by illilli

I have been shopping around for a larger humidor, but I just couldn't see buying any of those Chinese-made things. While I am not opposed to them on the basis of they are TOTAL crap, they just didn't quite meet my expectations in size, color or operation. (For example, I have a HARD time believing that huge sheet of glass in a door with a 3 inch frame is going to seal.) My wife didn't like any of the sizes or colors, but she agreed to let me get one.

Well, I finally decided to go the Coolidor way. Today, I bought a 150 QT Coleman Cooler that has the slots in it. I ordered some Spanish cedar 3/8" planks to make the shelves. I bought a hygrometer from Walmart (snicker). I ordered 1.5 pounds of Heartfelt 65% humidity beads. I also checked on some 2" high density foam to set the cooler on. JoAnne Fabric sells it. (If anyone has a better idea, let me know.) Finally, I ordered 8 12.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inch trays with dividers. I don't want to keep opening boxes to move cigars around. I just want them in the open so I can look at them.

I'll post pictures when I get the ingredients all at my house and when I get it together and loaded. I'm pretty excited about it, even though it's a simple thing. :smiley37:

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Your Anejos survived in this...
http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/r...f/100_8011.jpg

Nice job on the coolerdor! wait. coolidor? Koolidore?

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Originally Posted by badwhale

Your Anejos survived in this...

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That doesn't look like it was made in China... I like it!

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Originally Posted by illilli

That doesn't look like it was made in China... I like it!

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Agreed!


Ok Will 'fess up.........where'd you get that nice humidor??

I say you do the "Pirate Chest" conversion of that coolidor...

http://www.incrediblethings.com/art-...-chest-cooler/

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Originally Posted by ggiese

I say you do the "Pirate Chest" conversion of that coolidor...

http://www.incrediblethings.com/art-...-chest-cooler/

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Ok, maybe I'm easily amused, but that is pretty cool. Scrap lumber is one thing I have no shortage of as well.

I had the same setup until I built the cabinet and loved it!

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Originally Posted by ashauler

Ok, maybe I'm easily amused, but that is pretty cool. Scrap lumber is one thing I have no shortage of as well.

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I'm heavily tempted... :smiley2:

ARRRRRRRR....:smiley36:

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Originally Posted by illilli

That doesn't look like it was made in China... I like it!

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Originally Posted by CptnBlues63

Agreed!


Ok Will 'fess up.........where'd you get that nice humidor??

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Oh you guys. It's outlined in the "let's see your humidor thread"

Cliffnotes: I had a local carpenter, and friend, make it for me. Wild cherry & lots of spanish cedar. I am pleased. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by ggiese

I say you do the "Pirate Chest" conversion of that coolidor...

http://www.incrediblethings.com/art-...-chest-cooler/

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That, is genius!

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Originally Posted by badwhale

Oh you guys. It's outlined in the "let's see your humidor thread"

Cliffnotes: I had a local carpenter, and friend, make it for me. Wild cherry & lots of spanish cedar. I am pleased. Thanks.

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I had a feeling that was custom made. Very nice!

My wife keeps giving me grief about making a coolerador. She says, "Don't Alberta engineer it, we can afford to buy a real one" Mostly I just want something to store boxes. I'm getting close to having my 500 count filled with loose cigars and am hoping to go over the "it's full I need more storage" line soon. I thought a coolerador made good sense until I saw you pic Will.

It turns out there's a guy here in town who's an excellent carpenter. We renovated our basement bathroom this past summer and my wife loves the "country" look and we had this fellow custom make us a vanity, mirror frame and shelf out of barn wood. Now I'm thinking a barn wood humidor! Better start saving my pennies now.....

I had ordered 8 Spanish cedar trays from Amazon and the seller didn't come through for me. So, I went out looking for all-cedar trays. Apparently, there is only one company making them (The 100% cedar kind) in the style that I like; and they are out of them everywhere.

I did the second best thing and tore the lid off a cigar box. I only have one box with a nice cedar lining.

Anyway, if someone knows where I can get some that have the vertical slots -- not the diagonal slots, I don't like that kind, please send me the link.

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Originally Posted by badwhale

Nice job on the coolerdor! wait. coolidor? Koolidore?

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Yeah, it just dawned on me that it SHOULD be coolerdor versus coolidor. I'm not very quick on the up-take you know....

I ended up making my own trays but you could do the same for separators. Woodcraft & Rockler both sell spanish cedar in 1/8" & 1/4" thickness.

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Originally Posted by illilli

I had ordered 8 Spanish cedar trays from Amazon and the seller didn't come through for me. So, I went out looking for all-cedar trays. Apparently, there is only one company making them (The 100% cedar kind) in the style that I like; and they are out of them everywhere.

I did the second best thing and tore the lid off a cigar box. I only have one box with a nice cedar lining.

Anyway, if someone knows where I can get some that have the vertical slots -- not the diagonal slots, I don't like that kind, please send me the link.

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http://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Cedar-.../dp/B00B9234HE

Please let me know if I am off base.

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Originally Posted by tc3driver

Please let me know if I am off base.

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"Solid Spanish Cedar w/Cedar veneered MDF base" or in other words, NOT 100% Cedar!

I am extremely well-versed in doing internet research, so very obviously, I have seen everything they have at Amazon, since I said I ordered from Amazon. However, thanks for thinking I'm not capable of navigating Amazon's site thoroughly -- I AM old and probably don't know anything about technology at all based on that.

I know, I know, it's like Christmas...it's the thought that counts, so thank you very much for trying to help.

Pottery Barn has a very nice vintage wood oval tray. I'm not sure if it's Spanish cedar (it says "mango-wood", whatever that is). I think it would look great in your coolidor - and you can also use it while entertaining guests. It's a win-win! :smiley20:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/...acet-_-Tray-_-

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Originally Posted by ggiese

Pottery Barn has a very nice vintage wood oval tray. I'm not sure if it's Spanish cedar (it says "mango-wood", whatever that is). I think it would look great in your coolidor - and you can also use it while entertaining guests. It's a win-win! :smiley20:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/...acet-_-Tray-_-

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:smiley36:

illilli


I've been looking at this guys stuff to get some ideas for my wineador design that I plan on building myself. Looks like some nice work from what I can tell online. The slats are diagonal, but I'm pretty sure he'd make them to your desired style and specs.

http://wineadors.com/coolidors.html

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Originally Posted by Cigarbear

I ended up making my own trays but you could do the same for separators. Woodcraft & Rockler both sell spanish cedar in 1/8" & 1/4" thickness.

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I may have to do that, but I'm not exactly handy. I AM building my own Spanish Cedar shelves, but they will be very basic. A tray looks a lot harder. I built a gun rack in shop, but that was quite a while ago and I had the SHOP to use, not to mention a plan.

You got any plans for cedar tray? (By the way, I don't care about the separator...THAT I could build!)

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Originally Posted by ggiese

Pottery Barn has a very nice vintage wood oval tray. I'm not sure if it's Spanish cedar (it says "mango-wood", whatever that is). I think it would look great in your coolidor - and you can also use it while entertaining guests. It's a win-win! :smiley20:

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Oh, thank YOU too very much for your most excellent help! With all the help I'm getting from the newbies, I should have a fiesta of cigar flavors in my....oh, you were joking with me, weren't you gg?? I am SO slow to pick up on things......:smiley2:

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Originally Posted by TheGreekTitan

:smiley36:

illilli


I've been looking at this guys stuff to get some ideas for my wineador design that I plan on building myself. Looks like some nice work from what I can tell online. The slats are diagonal, but I'm pretty sure he'd make them to your desired style and specs.

http://wineadors.com/coolidors.html

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Thanks for the link, but I saw it already. He seems pretty busy, it's not guaranteed that he would make them with vertical slots and I hate sending money and waiting forever. I'd rather just wait until the 100% Cedar ones get back in stock from China. It's not that big of a deal, but I just hate it when things don't go the way I want them to. (WHINE, WHINE, WHINE....I am SO scared of kevin7 now!)

This might be a dumb question, but do you have any equipment or ability to make them yourself? I mean, you're making a Koolidor, so it doesn't have to be Astor's pet pony, right?

ETA: Nevermind, I missed your last post on the first page while you were busy triple posting...:smiley3: Who does that?

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Originally Posted by illilli

Thanks for the link, but I saw it already. He seems pretty busy, it's not guaranteed that he would make them with vertical slots and I hate sending money and waiting forever. I'd rather just wait until the 100% Cedar ones get back in stock from China. It's not that big of a deal, but I just hate it when things don't go the way I want them to. (WHINE, WHINE, WHINE....I am SO scared of kevin7 now!)

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Wait, wait, wait... You're saying you're waiting for the Chinese to knock off Spanish cedar trays??? :smiley3:

...oh this oughta be good... :smiley36:

Does Spain actually produce Spanish cedar? Inquiring minds wanna know... :smiley37:

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Originally Posted by illilli

I may have to do that, but I'm not exactly handy. I AM building my own Spanish Cedar shelves, but they will be very basic. A tray looks a lot harder. I built a gun rack in shop, but that was quite a while ago and I had the SHOP to use, not to mention a plan.

You got any plans for cedar tray? (By the way, I don't care about the separator...THAT I could build!)

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I didn't use any plans and the trays show it but I have a wood shop so it was pretty easy once I sourced the cedar. If you use 1/4" stock you can glue the sides with just butt joints and the slots with a keyhole saw and a drill. There must be something on the web but a quick Google search came up with mostly desk top humi plans...

I was pleasantly surprised this evening by the delivery of my 8 Spanish Cedar trays! They were in perfect condition and all the dividers fit perfectly. This really works out so well, because now I have everything I need to set up my Coolerdor. I have to put the shelves together, which may take me several weeks to get around to because I don't have that much free time and I don't really have anywhere to do it except in a small space in my garage. If the weather stays warm, that would be a bonus and would probably motivate me. I guess I'm kind of treating this thread as a blog, but it doesn't really matter does it?

I may go Quad-Post on here pretty soon, though....so watch out!

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Originally Posted by ggiese

Wait, wait, wait... You're saying you're waiting for the Chinese to knock off Spanish cedar trays??? :smiley3:

...oh this oughta be good... :smiley36:

Does Spain actually produce Spanish cedar? Inquiring minds wanna know... :smiley37:

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Despite its name, Spanish Cedar is not only a hardwood (and therefore not a Cedar at all), but it is also not Spanish. Spanish Cedar actually comes from the Meliaceae family, along with Mahogany; Spanish Cedar is similar to Genuine Mahogany in its beautiful coloration, attractive grain pattern, and great workability. The wood’s grain is usually quite straight and works well with both hand and power tools.

Spanish Cedar is also known as Cigar-box Cedar, as this was one of its traditional uses. The wood’s natural aroma repels insects, and the high resin count makes it very weather and rot resistant. Due to its low density, the lumber is quite lightweight, which makes this wood highly sought after as a high quality exterior grade species.

http://www.mcilvain.com/hardwoods/spanish-cedar/

As for where these trays are made.....definitely China. China makes everything. We bought some high-end furniture from Ethan Allen and it was all made in China. The materials were sent there and then the end product was shipped back. THAT is still cheaper than doing it here in America apparently. It's one of the sad stories.... another one is when puppies get hurt because Clydesdales step on them. I don't know if that's actually happened, but it would be sad too. Go Broncos!

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Originally Posted by illilli

Despite its name, Spanish Cedar is not only a hardwood (and therefore not a Cedar at all), but it is also not Spanish. Spanish Cedar actually comes from the Meliaceae family, along with Mahogany; Spanish Cedar is similar to Genuine Mahogany in its beautiful coloration, attractive grain pattern, and great workability. The wood’s grain is usually quite straight and works well with both hand and power tools.

Spanish Cedar is also known as Cigar-box Cedar, as this was one of its traditional uses. The wood’s natural aroma repels insects, and the high resin count makes it very weather and rot resistant. Due to its low density, the lumber is quite lightweight, which makes this wood highly sought after as a high quality exterior grade species.

http://www.mcilvain.com/hardwoods/spanish-cedar/

As for where these trays are made.....definitely China. China makes everything. We bought some high-end furniture from Ethan Allen and it was all made in China. The materials were sent there and then the end product was shipped back. THAT is still cheaper than doing it here in America apparently. It's one of the sad stories.... another one is when puppies get hurt because Clydesdales step on them. I don't know if that's actually happened, but it would be sad too. Go Broncos!

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This isn't true. I just got a cyclone dust collector that even most of the hardware, was made in USA.

Also, babies are made...in VaChina.:smiley4:

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Originally Posted by badwhale

Also, babies are made...in VaChina.:smiley4:

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Wow

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Originally Posted by kingbeefy

Wow

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Was that it? Was that the line, and I burst across it like a sprinter?

You crossed no lines with this dude. That wasn't typed with an offended tone, but with a tone of awestruck wonderment. That is just a fantastic line.

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Originally Posted by kingbeefy

You crossed no lines with this dude. That wasn't typed with an offended tone, but with a tone of awestruck wonderment. That is just a fantastic line.

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:smiley37:

And with that, I'll stop threadjacking this thread.:smiley36:

Attachment 3640

Here is the completed project. I'm seasoning the insides for a while and I'll post in appropriate thread with cigars.

I apologize for the quality of these stupid images. My phone and I are not ONE. How am I supposed to know it orients the picture according to the damn phone orientation?? Thank you automation for thinking for me....if computers become self-aware, we are in trouble because they will do things like slam our breaks on because we bought a "large" soda to make us spill it, because they have to protect our health. That happens and I'm going all "I Robot" on something!

Looking good! Go Koolidor!!!

That actually is a real good looking Kool (and the Gang) idor.

I didn't even think to stand it up and make shelves and what not. I just threw boxes and ziploc bags of cigars in it with no real plan.

I like yours better.

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered two more Cedar planks to make two more shelves. I'll post the measurements of the cuts to make it fit snugly. I was going to put a couple of connectors to the planks, but honestly they turned out fitting so securely that I decided against it.

The humidity is slowly going up...it's at 46% today and going up about 2% a day. I'm OK with that because I prefer this technique over wetting/damping the cedar. Of course, when I add the other planks, the humidity will go down some. I'm actually curious about how much it will drop.