Does my humidor really suck this bad?

[meissen]

I have a variety of different sticks in there right now - about 50 cigars total. CAO Flatheads, Olivias, Victor Sinclairs, Montecristos, Royal Jamacians, etc. The last few I've smoked seem to be a harsher burn - could feel it in the back of my throat, which is why I'm concerned about the RH. I've been smoking cigars regularly for about a year now. The previous humidor I had was just a little 30 stick humidor and I kept it right at 68-70%.

Last night I put my digital hygrometer into a ziplock bag with one of the Boveda 72% packets and the hygrometer spiked right up to 73% so I know it's calibrated. I then took the hygrometer out of the bag and let it sit for awhile - it's about 40% RH in my house.

I think my main problem is that the plexiglass panels are NOT sealed in. The manufacturer used the same technique as how the backings of picture frames are - little nubs twist over the backing to hold it in place. It's just "sitting" in place.

I didn't realize that food grade sealant would be readily available at home depot / lowes so I'm going to head out there later today and try sealing the panels better to see if that works.

I did try the dollar bill test around the door and there was some good resistance all the way around so I guess the tongue/lip on the door is OK. It doesn't necessarily make a "whoosh" sound when it closes, but this is only my 2nd humidor and the first one didn't make that noise either.

[ggiese]

I have a variety of different sticks in there right now - about 50 cigars total. CAO Flatheads, Olivias, Victor Sinclairs, Montecristos, Royal Jamacians, etc. The last few I've smoked seem to be a harsher burn - could feel it in the back of my throat, which is why I'm concerned about the RH. I've been smoking cigars regularly for about a year now. The previous humidor I had was just a little 30 stick humidor and I kept it right at 68-70%.

Last night I put my digital hygrometer into a ziplock bag with one of the Boveda 72% packets and the hygrometer spiked right up to 73% so I know it's calibrated. I then took the hygrometer out of the bag and let it sit for awhile - it's about 40% RH in my house.

I think my main problem is that the plexiglass panels are NOT sealed in. The manufacturer used the same technique as how the backings of picture frames are - little nubs twist over the backing to hold it in place. It's just "sitting" in place.

I didn't realize that food grade sealant would be readily available at home depot / lowes so I'm going to head out there later today and try sealing the panels better to see if that works.

I did try the dollar bill test around the door and there was some good resistance all the way around so I guess the tongue/lip on the door is OK. It doesn't necessarily make a "whoosh" sound when it closes, but this is only my 2nd humidor and the first one didn't make that noise either.

"Harshness" kinda leads me to think that perhaps the cigars are drier than they should be. Not unusual, depending on where you bought them (some cigar retailers don't humidify well). I would charge up the beads (Boveda packs) - and just let them do their magic. If the cigars are too dry - you'll really need to keep an eye on the Boveda's because they will be sucked dry. It may take a few months for the humidity to stabilize - have patience. Once it is stabilized - it's easy to keep the humidity. 65-70% is ideal...

And if the "plexiglas" ("plexiglas - rather than glass?!?) panels are not sealed - damn you have a cheap humidor. I don't know that a trip to Lowe's is gonna fix that. You should consider spending a few more $$$ to get a humidor that's a bit more "solid".