Making my own Coolerdor

[Rugbysh9]

That's what I use (mine are Oregon Scientific). Like any hygrometer, calibrate (salt test) if you're interested in absolute readings.

The essential difference between a weather hygrometer and a digital hygrometer designed for humidor use is the case. A weather unit has a few small holes for air to enter/exit the unit, whereas a cigar hygro has a bunch of holes/grills - you can sometimes see the RH measuring surface (usually looks like a little white wafer with foil lines on it). The restricted airflow means that the weather unit moves a little slower in response to change - but it does move fine.

FWIW, my costs for the last cooler were (roughly):
- 70qt Coleman Extreme: $40;
- pound of beads: $30;
- used (clean) pantyhose to cut up to make a bunch of bags for the beads: 'free' from girlfriend;
- Oust fan: $15;
- wireless weather sensor (w/local display): $40;
- roll of 1/8" thick closed-cell weatherstripping: $5.

Craig - I have a question for you as I'm in the process of setting a 42-quart cooler...How did you use the weatherstripping?

Thanks,

Andrew

[craig]

Craig - I have a question for you as I'm in the process of setting a 42-quart cooler...How did you use the weatherstripping?

Thanks,

Andrew

Use only if necessary.

The typical plastic cooler is designed for warm-weather use - so it may seal very well in hot conditions, but not as well in cool conditions. In addition, sometimes the fit between lid and cooler isn't as good as one would want, due to manufacturing variations.

These tolerances usually aren't an issue unless the cooler is in a very dry environment (like my house in winter ). Then, the humid air just gets sucked out of the cooler with a loose lid, and you're wondering why the beads need recharging all the time in a cooler that isn't opened. A strip around the lid (or the base) seals things up.

Again, lots of folks won't need the weatherstrip ... and if one is opening the cooler regularly, then that usually makes the weatherstrip redundant.

[Rugbysh9]

Thanks I appreciate the info

-Andrew

[daredog4]

As Craig mentioned it really depends on the cooler as to whether it will seal well enough. This particular cooler (Igloo Ice Cube 60QT) seals very well. The lid sticks down into the cooler about 1/2 inch and the total width that the lid makes contact with is about 2 inches. It also snaps firmly in place when it is shut. If you purchase this cooler i promise you there is no need for any weather stripping. However, I can't be sure about other coolers. I would suggest that you go look at them and see how much surface area there is that makes contact and how well it snaps shut.
Also, this cooler and many others are not completely flat in the bottom due to the wheels or the drain. As you can see in the pics i built a simple shelf that raises the bottom up about 3 inches. I made it slotted so that the air can get underneath and help humidify from the bottom. This was just a personal preferance but you might also take that into consideration when picking out a cooler.

[Rugbysh9]

As Craig mentioned it really depends on the cooler as to whether it will seal well enough. This particular cooler (Igloo Ice Cube 60QT) seals very well. The lid sticks down into the cooler about 1/2 inch and the total width that the lid makes contact with is about 2 inches. It also snaps firmly in place when it is shut. If you purchase this cooler i promise you there is no need for any weather stripping. However, I can't be sure about other coolers. I would suggest that you go look at them and see how much surface area there is that makes contact and how well it snaps shut.
Also, this cooler and many others are not completely flat in the bottom due to the wheels or the drain. As you can see in the pics i built a simple shelf that raises the bottom up about 3 inches. I made it slotted so that the air can get underneath and help humidify from the bottom. This was just a personal preferance but you might also take that into consideration when picking out a cooler.

I'm using an Igloo (42 qrt.) just not the Ice Cube. I just finished airing it out and put 1/2 lb of beads in this morning. Once I get it stabilized I have this feeling its going to be filled pretty quickly.