Custom Humidor Project

[MikePach]

Hey Guys,

So I've got myself a vintage Goyard steamer trunk, and I've been trying to get someone to turn it into, basically, a giant desktop preferably with both active humidification and temp control. Does anyone know of any custom shops or craftsmen who'd be willing/able to do this kind of work? I understand it won't be cheap, and it will probably take a while to complete.

Thanks,
Mike

[CptnBlues63]

Hey Guys,

So I've got myself a vintage Goyard steamer trunk, and I've been trying to get someone to turn it into, basically, a giant desktop preferably with both active humidification and temp control. Does anyone know of any custom shops or craftsmen who'd be willing/able to do this kind of work? I understand it won't be cheap, and it will probably take a while to complete.

Thanks,
Mike

I looked into doing something similar with a Crown Royal box a while back. It is going to cost (why I never bothered) but most any fine carpenter/cabinet maker could do the job for you. You would want the entire inside lined with spanish cedar and some shelves made I'm thinking. I would use no less than 1/8" thick wood.

As for humidifying, I would probably go with Heartfelt brand humidity beads but if you want to use an electric humidifier, run electrical into the humidor with an outlet inside. Beads would be better I'm thinking and you could buy enough to do the job and have half in the bottom, half in the top. If you need/want a hygrometer, I'd look into one with a remote sensor. You could then mount the sensor inside and have the display on top/side of the outside of the humidor so you'd never have to open it to check your RH level.

I love the idea btw and think it would make a very cool humidor.

If I had the money to afford the cigars required to make it worth my while, there's a cedar sauna in my house that we never use. I wouldn't mind turning that into a walk-in humidor but in all honesty, I can't afford to fill it with cigars......LOL

[MikePach]

Well right now I've got a pretty big Avallo doing most of my work, a couple of Ellie Bleu and a smaller glass cabinet. This would be strictly my long term aging box. I agree that any good cabinet maker should be able to complete the job but I would prefer to get someone who's familiar with the concept of storing and aging cigars, humidifying and such. Also I'm not sure how many cabinet guys are familiar with ringing active humidity/temp controls in boxes.

I'll have to look into that but obviously due to the cost of the trunk itself and the stuff that's going into it, I'd rather deal with someone experienced in the humidor craft.

If I ever get this all accomplished ill be sure to post up some pics and let you see how it went.

[ashauler]

What is your preference for "long-term" aging? What RH are you shooting for, what type of airflow...etc.
By long-term, are you meaning 1-5 years.....5-10 years....10+?

[ggiese]

Well right now I've got a pretty big Avallo doing most of my work, a couple of Ellie Bleu and a smaller glass cabinet. This would be strictly my long term aging box. I agree that any good cabinet maker should be able to complete the job but I would prefer to get someone who's familiar with the concept of storing and aging cigars, humidifying and such. Also I'm not sure how many cabinet guys are familiar with ringing active humidity/temp controls in boxes.

I'll have to look into that but obviously due to the cost of the trunk itself and the stuff that's going into it, I'd rather deal with someone experienced in the humidor craft.

If I ever get this all accomplished ill be sure to post up some pics and let you see how it went.

If it were me and I wanted to get this project done I'd call Arlin Liss. Give him a call - he's very easy to talk to and has no qualms about helping in any way he can (his advice is always free). I've seen him active on the cigar boards for years - and his work always speaks for itself. He has a great reputation.

http://www.arlinliss.com/

Good luck - it should be nice when it's done!

[MikePach]

Yea I was referred to him by Avallo, he's a great guy but his design just isn't what I was looking for, he wanted to make a drop in humidor that goes into the trunk rather than converting the trunk itself. I told him I was sorry to pass on him and he referred me to another guy who could hopefully help me out more along my original design idea.

[ggiese]

Yea I was referred to him by Avallo, he's a great guy but his design just isn't what I was looking for, he wanted to make a drop in humidor that goes into the trunk rather than converting the trunk itself. I told him I was sorry to pass on him and he referred me to another guy who could hopefully help me out more along my original design idea.

You've passed on Avallo AND Arlin? Whoah....


Hey cc86 - your memory is stellar... What was that guys name that was making humidors? Waxing moon or something like that?

[CptnBlues63]

Yea I was referred to him by Avallo, he's a great guy but his design just isn't what I was looking for, he wanted to make a drop in humidor that goes into the trunk rather than converting the trunk itself. I told him I was sorry to pass on him and he referred me to another guy who could hopefully help me out more along my original design idea.

I'm curious what the difference is between one that fits inside the trunk and converting the trunk itself. I suspect the biggest difference would be glue. Which you could apply yourself after delivery. Just ask whomever to leave the outside of the drop-in humidor raw wood.

Question: Have you even bothered contacting a fine carpenter or a cabinet maker?

I only ask because you do not seem to understand that making a wooden humidor requires the same skill set as the two aforementioned wood workers. If you think about it, you'll realize a humidor IS nothing more than a small cabinet.