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Last post 7 years ago by Mr.magoo2. 15 replies replies.
Humidor conversion
Mr.magoo2 Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 06-27-2016
Posts: 131
Anybody ever convert an armoire or China cabinet into humidor? I've seen some videos on YouTube and other websites but was looking for some first hand knowledge on the subject.
danmdevries Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,124
One of those things, if you can do it, you'd have done it.

Not gonna get a tutorial from anyone. Get yourself several years of custom cabinet making experience and the tools, and you can do it.

Or just try it out. Your call.

Still cheaper to buy a cooler. Or even commission a custom.
jjanecka Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 12-08-2015
Posts: 4,334
It's definitely possible but it's not the type of job you want to halfass considering how easy it would be for the chamber to leak.
Mr.magoo2 Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 06-27-2016
Posts: 131
I'm not looking for a tutorial or step by step instructions. Just some friendly insight maybe something I haven't considered that could be a problem...

I have already started this project. Using solid 3/8" TnG Spanish cedar for back and walls replacing glass on doors with 1/2" Spanish cedar. With materials and supplies I've got a lite more than $1,200.00 in it. Much cheaper than a custom! A good friend of my is 3rd generation custom carpenter and is hooking me up with some beautiful burled maple veneer for the outside.

Going with the oasis magna to humidify it. Just got to get more auxillery fans
harleyd31 Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 02-09-2010
Posts: 2,231
Mr.magoo2 Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 06-27-2016
Posts: 131
Apparently my search was not as good. Just typed in humidor and search all, I'll admit after a few pages I gave up on it

Thanks!
dharbolt Offline
#7 Posted:
Joined: 08-03-2013
Posts: 6,931
danmdevries wrote:
One of those things, if you can do it, you'd have done it.

Not gonna get a tutorial from anyone. Get yourself several years of custom cabinet making experience and the tools, and you can do it.

Or just try it out. Your call.

Still cheaper to buy a cooler. Or even commission a custom.


Or convert a couple wine coolers or a fridge
marcoaojeda Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2014
Posts: 1
ive done a curio conversion it was a trial and error experience, ive done a gun cabinet conversion way easier and better than first one. and recently did a glass retail jewelry case. its time consuming and can get expensive. yes some say its more expensive than having commissioned or buying one. yes that COULD be. but it depends on how elaborate you make it. I know your not wanting a tutorial so I wont give you one. but I will say this from experience. its time consuming and CAN be just as expensive as buying one. BUT.... its a labor or love and its truly a one of kind that you will always be proud of.
octavup Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 12-25-2010
Posts: 57
As someone who has built custom humidors, from desk top to large capacity, I can tell you that with basic woodworking skills it can be done. We have also done conversions of existing cabinetry and furniture into humidors.. The critical part is sealing the unit in order to maintain a constant humidity. Leakage of humidity can occur In several key locations: where the power cord enters the humidor, poorly fitted interior joinery of the Spanish Cedar interior, and especially around the door. Over the years, we've developed many techniques that all but eliminate the leakage at these locations. It is also important to keep in mind that wood will expand across the grain with increases in humidity and you need to allow for this movement while maintaining tight joints. Feel free to post any questions or concerns on the forum or PM me if you wish.
Mr.magoo2 Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 06-27-2016
Posts: 131
Thanks for the input!
Whistlebritches Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 04-23-2006
Posts: 22,127
I've converted 2 gun cabinets and a closet in my home.Really it's quite simple.......and I am no woodworking guru.Hopefully I am done.Doubtful my closet will ever be completely full.
KingoftheCove Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,600
Whistlebritches wrote:
I've converted 2 gun cabinets and a closet in my home.Really it's quite simple.......and I am no woodworking guru.Hopefully I am done.Doubtful my closet will ever be completely full.

Now this ^^ is a cleverly disguised mooch if I ever saw one.

Poor old Whistle has too much room in his closet.............there's so much air space, he's having difficulty maintaining the proper RH.
MACS Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,593
I bought a Club Chairside humidor from here (back in '04)... got it for $181 IIRC. Says it holds 600, but I've had over 1000 in it at one point.
Whistlebritches Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 04-23-2006
Posts: 22,127
KingoftheCove wrote:
Now this ^^ is a cleverly disguised mooch if I ever saw one.

Poor old Whistle has too much room in his closet.............there's so much air space, he's having difficulty maintaining the proper RH.


Not quite KOC.........The shelves are mostly full,the floor has about 5 lbs of jarred pipe tobaccocovering it and yes there is a little OPEN air space......Just enough to keep my air circulated.Could I hold more,yes but I don't want to have to dig through a pile to find something......like back in the old multiple cooler days,what a pain in the azz that was.

Oh yea......you azz!!!
Mr.magoo2 Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 06-27-2016
Posts: 131
Whistlebritches wrote:
I've converted 2 gun cabinets and a closet in my home.Really it's quite simple.......and I am no woodworking guru.Hopefully I am done.Doubtful my closet will ever be completely full.



I pitched the closet idea when we remodeled our house about a year ago, but it was quickly shot down in favor of a craft closet for my wife.


She loves to shop for antique furniture, so I told her about the China cab convert...She got to shop, I get a larger humidor. it's a win win
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