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Last post 6 years ago by SmokeMonkey. 48 replies replies.
Large Cabinet Humidor
SmokeMonkey Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Contemplating purchasing a large (60 cubic foot) cabinet. No experience with maintaining humidity in something that large. Any tips/advice y'all might be willing to share?
DrafterX Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,508
prolly take 3 heads of lettuce a week... Mellow
mikey1597 Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 05-18-2007
Posts: 14,162
Lots of beads
SmokeMonkey Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
I was thinking 6 heads of romaine should cover it.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
mikey1597 wrote:
Lots of beads


The one I'm looking at comes with a humidification unit. I may give it a try and balance it out with the 4 lbs I have. Based on HF's calculations, is need to buy at least 8 more pounds.

I need to give that some thought.Think
ZRX1200 Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
I'm at 54 feet....

I use 5 pounds 65% beads and a large container of floral beads for mass humidity. I get packets of the beads at Michaels and change them twice a year. The packet holds maybe 3 tablespoons, and will soak up the better portion on a gallon of distilled water. The heartfelt regulate the %rh and add as needed.

I have a RV refrigerator fan to move the air.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#7 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
This one is 7x4x2, but the first foot is segmented off for the humidification unit, so I think it's about 48. Sounds like a small additional head investment (plus the floral foam) would be perfect.

Jamie, thanks for the info. Any other tips for dealing with this monster?
deadeyedick Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 16,957
Keep it full.
gummy jones Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 07-06-2015
Posts: 7,969
My best results have been with bib lettuce. It's a little more expensive but the best for making maduros.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
I'll have to use some empty boxes to take up space for the immediate future, as I've "only" got about 650 right now.

Gummy - The Bibb is better than romaine? What if I throw in some riddichio to spice it up?
gummy jones Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 07-06-2015
Posts: 7,969

I'm not too into corojos so I haven't tried endive or raddichio
SmokeMonkey Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
I'll report back. I may leave a tray of peppers out as well.
ZRX1200 Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
NOT FLORAL FOAM......


FLORAL B E A D S !!!!
SmokeMonkey Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
ZRX1200 wrote:
NOT FLORAL FOAM......


FLORAL B E A D S !!!!


Yessir! [missing salute emoji here]
ZRX1200 Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
They expand to about 500% and come in different colors, I use clear to be safe.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#16 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Good to know, thanks!
ZRX1200 Offline
#17 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,476
I can send you some in an envelope.
patrickh44231 Offline
#18 Posted:
Joined: 09-24-2009
Posts: 1,510
Use the large round gel beads. Allows better air flow. I use distilled to recharge with a drop or two or hydrogen peroxide to oxidize anything living. I was told never use pg so I havent with fan units. If it's just an open container with no fan use the cracked gel beads(I have plenty of those if you'd like some). Also once a year I rehydrate the gels and completely rinse them off. They naturally break down into a nitrogen based compound over a long period of time. Also remember humidity rises and air flow is important with box/tray position if you have any auxiliary fans. Then again I just save the dryer spot for the cc and dry box sticks.
Whistlebritches Offline
#19 Posted:
Joined: 04-23-2006
Posts: 22,127
I have a built in closet humi at 144 cubic ft(8x6x3).I use about a pound of water absorbing crystals in 6 different containers at each shelf level.Keeps her at 60-62rh fairly consistently.I live West Texas,during the dry winter months I leave the lid off a gallon jug of distilled water sitting in the floor of the humi.Started getting spring rains a couple weeks ago,put the lid back on the water today.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#20 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Well, I pulled the trigger today. Price was ridiculously low, but I needs a little work. I'll work on it the next couple of weekends then start seasoning it. Thanks to to all, and especially Jamie for advice already given and for entertaining my calls when I have questions.

If picture posts are working by then, I'll post some up.
tamapatom Offline
#21 Posted:
Joined: 03-19-2015
Posts: 7,381
Its nice to have room for another piece of furniture. I would have to give up my jukebox.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#22 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
This thing damn near took up a room. Is it a Wurlitzer jukebox?
Buckwheat Offline
#23 Posted:
Joined: 04-15-2004
Posts: 12,251
You can never have too many Heartfelt beads in a large humidor with an active system. I used to have an Avallo 2000 with an active humidity control system and I had about four pounds of 65% beads to regulate the RH. I wasn't the best on changing the water on the active system but I didn't worry about it because the beads kept everything stable. The average humidity in my town was pretty high (60 - +90%) year round so I was taking humidity as much as I was adding it. Sounds like you have a nice setup. I'd suggest you put it in the basement for temp control.

YMMV fog
burnem2 Offline
#24 Posted:
Joined: 12-23-2009
Posts: 628
Go ahead and spring for a nice Cigar Oasis, other something similar, humidification system and save yourself a lot of time and headache. Set and forget and add water when needed. Get multiple small CPU fans to move the air around.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#25 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Will have several pounds of beads and am duplicating Z's setup to give it a try. Oasis is on my radar if I find that the initial setup isn't optimal with my variables. Also a humid environment (Alabama), which makes it a little easier.

It's in the "basement" (which is really just the first floor), which stays in the low to mid 60's temp-wise year round, which may complicate it a bit. I'm not in need of the storage space, so I've got time to dial it in.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.
tonygraz Offline
#26 Posted:
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,175
Nothing wrong with the 60's, sure beats beetles.
tonygraz Offline
#27 Posted:
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,175
dup. post
tamapatom Offline
#28 Posted:
Joined: 03-19-2015
Posts: 7,381
Gonz
SmokeMonkey wrote:
This thing damn near took up a room. Is it a Wurlitzer jukebox?

Rockola 1965 compact version.....sounds like I would have to get rid of something else too.
RMAN4443 Offline
#29 Posted:
Joined: 09-29-2016
Posts: 7,683
tamapatom wrote:
Gonz
Rockola 1965 compact version.....sounds like I would have to get rid of something else too.


Send it my way, and for a nominal fee I will store it in my man cave(er I mean basement) for you for as long as you like.........no problem, I don't mind at all........any other cool stuff(ah,I mean junk) you need stored can be included in the one price fits all storage fee Whistle
SmokeMonkey Offline
#30 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Here's a pic of it set up (finally). Once I can get my phone to cooperate with the picture posts, I'll add one here as well.

https://i.imgur.com/T3OV4Op.jpg
tonygraz Offline
#31 Posted:
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,175
What no bananas ? Looks nice smokey.
SmokeMonkey Offline
#32 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
tonygraz wrote:
What no bananas ? Looks nice smokey.


I moved the bananas into my now-obsolete frigidor. Thanks, Tony!
tamapatom Offline
#33 Posted:
Joined: 03-19-2015
Posts: 7,381
I cant see your big receptacle! Hyperlink doesnt seem to work.
frankj1 Offline
#34 Posted:
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,211
that is beautiful!
tamapatom Offline
#35 Posted:
Joined: 03-19-2015
Posts: 7,381
frankj1 wrote:
that is beautiful!

What......the fact that someone cannot see? That's mean.
Burner02 Offline
#36 Posted:
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,861
Very nice, Bama herf your place.
tamapatom Offline
#37 Posted:
Joined: 03-19-2015
Posts: 7,381
Wow....I can see it now. VERY nice. Looks like you are open for business!!!!
SmokeMonkey Offline
#38 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Thanks, y'all. I absolutely lucked jnto it.
RMAN4443 Offline
#39 Posted:
Joined: 09-29-2016
Posts: 7,683
nice looking setup SmokeMonkey............whens the grand opening? LOL
rvk Offline
#40 Posted:
Joined: 05-28-2013
Posts: 3
Hey smoke don't buy a oasis. You will not be happy. I have 32 sq ft. Bought a Avallo Accumonitor. Could not be happier.
Good Luck
SmokeMonkey Offline
#41 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
rvk wrote:
Hey smoke don't buy a oasis. You will not be happy. I have 32 sq ft. Bought a Avallo Accumonitor. Could not be happier.
Good Luck


Thanks! It looks stable now with HF beads to stabilize and some floral beads for additional moisture. Holding strong at 67.
madspackler Offline
#42 Posted:
Joined: 03-07-2000
Posts: 3,608
Damn Mr Monkey-that is a fine sight for sore eyes. Congrats on the new humidor.
delta1 Offline
#43 Posted:
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,754
ThumpUp ThumpUp
Herfing

Quitter Offline
#44 Posted:
Joined: 05-09-2017
Posts: 23
I use a household humidifier in my tower, it holds about a gallon of water. I tweaked the humidistat since it's not set up to go so high. It maxed at 50 I think so I got inside and tweaked it to go higher. The humidifier and stat sit in the base of the cabinet and I have a small computer fan in there to keep constant circulation from the base up so that there won't be issues with the humidity being higher near the humidifier and the rest of the cabinet being dry. The cabinet was partially DIY, it was a display cabinet that I modified by making adjustable Spanish cedar shelves and adding some sealing to the doors.
kaszkiet Offline
#45 Posted:
Joined: 05-05-2015
Posts: 163
Not to hijak the thread, but how did you obtain the cabinet humi? Are there certain brands people look for, or what's the best way to get a large quality cabinet humidor?
SmokeMonkey Offline
#46 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
kaszkiet wrote:
Not to hijak the thread, but how did you obtain the cabinet humi? Are there certain brands people look for, or what's the best way to get a large quality cabinet humidor?


No worries about threadjacking. I happened onto Craigslist and there it was. Guy was moving into a smaller house, wasn't smoking enough to use it anymore and wanted it gone. Initially listed at $600, then a couple of days before he moved, dropped it to $300. Too good a deal to pass up.

Not sure of the brand, but similar sizes/quality seem to go around $1,300 - $2,000 and up. I think I'd advise a strategy of looking either for a business or individual selling rather than buying new. Unless cost isn't a variable for you. In which case, well done!
Abrignac Offline
#47 Posted:
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,217
Nice setup
SmokeMonkey Offline
#48 Posted:
Joined: 04-05-2015
Posts: 5,688
Thanks!
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