Has anyone ever tried to use this chest (or any other) as a humidor. I just primed it last night and was wondering if it will work or if it will just be one big headache.

i would guess it depends on what you used to prime it.
why don't you post a picture.

No reason it shouldn't work, as long as the seal is good ... and you put a humidificaion device in it.

I would suggest one of the 'tubed' humidifier's that they have on the market. They work better than most of the others, as they use the crystals ...

You can use any container as a humidor. A quality cigar box would work fine. Some cigars sit in their boxes for years. Metal and glass containers were popular at one time. Now its plastic.

I was wondering the same thing. I bought one of the Estelo 75th Aniversary chests. From what I can tell, they appear to be the same box but with different artwork. It would be nice, 'cause since I discovered this web-site I find I need the room. BTW, how are those smokes?

It will work, absolutely. Depending on the type of wood, if it is all soft, you may eventually get some splitting or warping. That will take some time though.

What's the consensus on hygrometers? Any recommendations?

digital from Radio Shack. About $22

What Danny said ... whether from Radio Shack or whereve, digital's the only way to go ...

THL...The smokes are awesome...not much different than the regular HdM but then again the HdM Rothschilds are my favorite everyday smoke.

Rick,
I just wiped the whole insides of the the chest with distilled water and then placed a container of water inside the chest and closed it.
Should I be doing something different?
I will try to post a picture later today, if that will help.
-Mike

THL

radio shack about the lest expensive and works well. you need to calibrate any hygrometer. factory specs give the mfg up to + or - 8%. if you need info re calibrating email me.

Guv,
I'm a big fan of the HDMs, particularly the double maduros of all sizes. Originally, my thoughts were to keep this chest unopened for an investment. There's no way I'll be able to hold out, though. It's still in it's overwrapper of plastic. I literally salivate when looking at it. Hey, maybe I should buy another one to smoke! HAH! My wife would just love that.

THL-
I wish the box was maduro and double maduro instead of maduro and EMS. But either way my box is now empty and I wanted to try to do something with it.
-Mike

I primed and steamed and let a container of distilled water sit in there for 10 days and it wont't hold the humidity.

PS I also did the flash-light trick and saw no light

I guess I am going to have to break down and buy another humidor...or smoke more cigars more often

Say it ain't so,Guv. If yours doesn't hold moisture my Estelo Chest probably won't either. But, I'm a hard-headed son of a b***h and will have to try it for myself. You've killed my optimism, though it won't cost me much to take a whack. Did you try wrapping it in duct tape?

IMO 10 days isn't long enough to get a good measure. I bought some of the cheapie glass top humidors from Cigarbid last year and it took about 4-6 weeks for those suckers to hold a consistent 70% humidity. In fact, for the first couple of weeks I'd wipe them down with distilled water and the wood would soak it all up and be at about 50% humidity within a day or two. Hang in there before you give up on it. If it passed the flash light trick then the seal would seem to be ok. I just think you need to give it a little longer. The wood is probably way too dry for one wiping to do the trick.

Rick: how do you calibrate a digital hygrometer?
Please email me: [email protected]

I believe in the HdM Chest the inner sides of the chest are removable, if so can I remove and soak them in distilled water or is this not advisable.

I personally wouldn't soak the wood in water. A good wipe down every 24-48 hours should do the trick. If you soak it you'll probably have to then air it out to get it in the 70% range. Airing out always overdoes the job so then you are back to where you started.