Some newbie humidor questions

[alchemize]

Hi all :) First post here - cigar newbie. A couple of questions:

1) I made a "mini-tupperdor" with a 16 quart cooler. I built a cedar "insert" with some left over closet/floor tongue-in-groove I had. But when I use this - the cedar is overpowering! I can't even really smell the tobacco when it is in there. Is this going to flavor the cigars strongly? Any way to "season" the wood to reduce the smell?

2) With the cheapie humidifier I bought it tends to overhumidify (around 80%). I orderered a HeartFelt 70% tube but it's been about a week. Will this cause any problems or is a week not going to hurt?

This is according to a Digital Hygrometer that I have. The cheapie analog never says it rises above 72% - wierd?

[nhcigarfan]

Welcome to the board.

First off, loose the cedar insert. It is probably american cedar or red cedar if it was used in your closet. It is not the same as "spanish" cedar used in Humidors. As a side note spanish cedar is not actually cedar. There are a number of reasons not to use the red cedar, which can be found here or google. The Tube should help but your digital probably isn't 100% accurate, it is probably a few percentage points off. As for the analog, do the salt test. Again use the search feature on the board for info on procedure.

finally temperature and out side humidity effects the relative humidity also.

There have been lots of discussions back and forth on the board so if you search your questions you will probably find the answers.

[SuperChuck]

First off, welcome aboard!

What kind of cedar are you using? Anything other than kiln-dried spanish cedar will probably impart an odd flavour to your cigars.

If you think your humi is running a bit wet, just open it for a while. Assuming you live in a dry climate, this should let a little of the humidity out.

[alchemize]

It is red cedar. I should have asked first - all that time I spent building a pretty box. Oh well, live and learn.

I've been opening it up every night to try and dry it out a little bit also...

Thanks!

[bigpoppapuff]

get rid of the red cedar....

[Jonsey5484]

Welcome aboard.....I agree, get rid of the wood inside. Unless it is spanish cedar, it does not belong near your cigars. I built a coolidor out of a 60qt. cooler. I don't have any wood inside of it and I have the beads and it keeps at 70% no problem. As long it has a good seal, it will hold the humidity.

[Mazeman]

Once you get rid of the cedar, you may need something to keep your cigars in within the coolidor. Most cigar stores will give (or sell you cheaply) old cigar boxes. Pick up some nice wood one and put your cigars in there, then in the collidor.

80% humidity for a week won't kill the cigars. Once you get the beads, your job will be a whole lot easier.