Ebay Cigar Cabinet

[chadth]

My ~100 capacity humidor still has plenty of room but I can see that within the next 3-6 months that I will need something for box storage once I identify what I really enjoy. My initial plan was to do an end-table or a trunkador (thanks Chris for the great idea) which would arrive during a planned remodel of a room. However, browsing through ebay I found http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300088257897.

It is definitely not the prettiest thing in the world but looks entirely functional. Does anyone have any knowledge of these? It could be snazzed up a bit with a better locking mechanism and handle.

Thanks,
-Chad

[nhcigarfan]

Chad - was checking these out the other day. In the guys ebay store you can upgrade to a lock for, I think 5-10 bucks, and get extra shelves for 15 or so, and cedar cigar trays for around 12 bucks.

It seems functional and simple but I started thinking once I added everything I wanted, including running an internal plug, where would I be?

Hopefully we can find someone who bought one of these.. but I think they are new to the ebay scene.

[chadth]

This guy appears to live 10 minutes from me. The auctions for the humidors don't list a location but the optional items do. I am going to get in touch with him (I hope) and check one of these out if he has them local. I will report back in once I have some detail.

Thanks,
-Chad

[bigsmoke]

Sounds like a good price. It does have a rather bland look though.

[chadth]

So I just got off the phone with Greg. He makes these each by hand in his shop near my house. He definitely describes them as being utilitarian and appears to be still experimenting with the seal. I plan on meeting with him tomorrow to check them out in person and snap some pictures.

Some tests and observations I planned to do:

1. Flashlight test - observe the amount and location of light emitting from the cabinet
2. Material - Verify the type and thickness of the material being used
3. Fit and finish - The aesthetics of the cabinet. Would I put this in the middle of a room or hide it in the garage.

Anything I am missing?

Thanks,
-Chad

[COMB2]

Easy way to make a better seal is the make the cedar like a 1/4 longer where the door opens and router a slot in the door so it slips in. If he is building these already I'm sure he could do that easy. It would make a much better seal than that foam and only a few more cuts with a jig setup

[nhcigarfan]

Try the dollar test for the seal.

[chadth]

Easy way to make a better seal is the make the cedar like a 1/4 longer where the door opens and router a slot in the door so it slips in. If he is building these already I'm sure he could do that easy. It would make a much better seal than that foam and only a few more cuts with a jig setup

Funny you mention this. I brought up the same idea to him on the phone, I referenced how safes are made. I will talk to him again about it tomorrow.

-Chad

[bigsmoke]

So if you live in Snohomish, where does this guy live? Because I am up in Vancouver Canada. It is not that far of a drive if his products are good.

[chadth]

So if you live in Snohomish, where does this guy live? Because I am up in Vancouver Canada. It is not that far of a drive if his products are good.

Monroe, WA. Unless you drive a hybrid, you will spend the shipping in gas. You can google maps to my address, its 10 more miles from me. My address is in my profile.

-Chad

[bigsmoke]

I hear ya buddy. Gas prices suck. And I don't drive a hybrid.

[FunkyCold5]

Wow, definitely keep us updated. Seems like the price is right. Plus, if you are able to check it out and give it a stamp of approval, not only will you help BOTLs/SOTLs here with a good purchase, but you'll help your new found friend sell more of these things.

Andrew

[chadth]

I have been doing some research on various box storage solutions and recently came across an inexpensive cabinet on ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300089269946. I had a hard time finding individuals who had heard of or had direct knowledge of the cabinets so I dug around some more. I noticed some of the other auctions from the user ‘robustohumidors’ said the items were located in Monroe, WA. I live within 10 miles of Monroe so I felt it was a good opportunity to get in touch with the ebay seller and find out more.

After contacting Greg, aka robustohumidors, I asked if he had any cabinets I could look at. He said I could come down to his shop where he had builds each one and take a look. Greg gave me permission to snap a few photos and didn’t mind if I published my impressions.

The general design is a box within a box. The outside box, shown below, wraps an internal box made of ¼” spanish cedar. This outside of the cabinet is made with cherry plywood, basically a piece of MDF sandwiched by ~3/8” cherry. The end cuts are cleaned up with a cherry veneer. Greg believes the MDF serves two purposes; it is less expensive then solid would and the structure of the MDF is resistant to warping due to high humidity.



Between the internal and external box is ~3/4” an air gap. Greg believes the trapped air acts to insulate the interior box from temperature changes on the outside. The pieces are glued and fastened using either finish nails or staples, depending on the fastened piece. Below is a picture of a cabinet without the door and shelf.



The outside of the cabinet is stained and then treated with polyurethane. Unfortunately Greg didn’t have any finish products with the door attached but walked me through how they are installed and most importantly sealed. He uses sticky backed close cell foam that he applies around the inner box’s edge. The foam slightly protrudes and is compressed when the door is closed. Though I would feel more comfortable after testing the seal with using the dollar bill and flashlight methods, I don’t see any faults in his method.



Overall the cabinet is nice looking and would make a decent end-table. I don’t see it as something you would hide in the garage but also wouldn’t make it a center piece in a room. The construction looks sturdy but a little rough is some areas. I personally will likely own one once I have a need and get the OK from the wife, especially if you take into consideration the price these sell for on Ebay, the fact they are built 10 minutes from me, and my overall positive impression of the cabinet.

If you have any additional questions about my personal opinion, please let me know. If you would like to contact Greg, he can be reached at gandr.osborne(at)verizon.net or through ebay.



I have no personal or professional relationship with Greg outside of the one described in detail above.

Thanks,
-Chad

[nhcigarfan]

Hey - any guy who sells hand made stuff on ebay and stands by his stuff enough to let you come in to his shop and photograph his product, and him, I feel is someone you can trust.


Thanks for checking those out.

[audilicious]

I have one of these on order and will be doing a review with photo's. then follow ups with pos and negs.

can't wait for this baby to get here

[HersheyWalker]

Thanks for the review!

[drew_goring]

I have one of these on order and will be doing a review with photo's. then follow ups with pos and negs.

can't wait for this baby to get here

Looking forward to it.

[LeojVS]

Try the dollar test for the seal.

I tried this on my humi, and may have to revise a little

[BostonBull]

What a great price and nice looking furniture!! I just e-mialed him with some customizing questions.

[audilicious]

Just got my tracking #!!

good thing cuz I've got some boxes already on the way.