Replies

1. 
   jptenberg | Jan 05, 2006 06:35pm | #1

   I have built many humidors over the years, and I can say that Spanish cedar is the only type of lining I would ever use--that's just the way they are made.  I find that by making the top and bottom of the humidor from 3/4" MDF rabbeted into the sides, the box gets a nice heft to it.  Then I veneer the outside of the top with regular veneer in whatever design, and the inside (top and bottom) of the MDF with spanish cedar cut to about 1/8" or less.  Make sure to use a waterproof glue--I like gorilla glue.

   I make the lining from 1/4" SPC and make it a tight fit mitered at the corners, but do not glue it in.  I use an offset rabbet where the bottom and lid liners meet.  It certianly is a process in fussieness to get the seal right--too tight, and cigars will mold--too loose, and they will dry out.

   As far as a source in your area, I know that the big chains--Rockler and Woodcraft both cary the stuff, but I buy mine at the local lumberyard for about 1/2 what they charge.  Even if you have to get it from a specialty dealer, the good news is that you dont need much.

   Good luck

   Peter

   jpswoodworking.com

1. 
   GrGramps | Jan 07, 2006 12:20am | #2

   Peter, Thanks for your response. It will probably be a few weeks before I get started on the humidor and during that time I should have an opportunity to visit a local dealer of exotic woods. It would really be interesting to know just what is the difference between Spanish cedar and what I have. Nevertheless, I'll take your advice and use the "real stuff". Thanks for the help.

1. 
   SteveV | Jan 13, 2006 04:26am | #3

   The difference is Spanish Cedar has the ability to absorb moisture and retain moisture at a uniform rate more so than any other cedar.  This is very important as the whole idea of a humidor is to maintain a constant humidity level (70%).  A tight fitting Spanish Cedar lining is preferred over a glued lining.  I wouldn't want any glue chemicals near my cigars!

1. 
   GrGramps | Jan 13, 2006 06:22pm | #4

   Steve, I appreciate the time you, and others, have taken to convince me to not try to find a substitute. I notice that Woodcraft offers Spanish Cedar. They have a piece that measures 4" X 36" that is 1/4" thick for $6.99. That's an amusing $27.96 a board foot. Of course, I understand that there is labor involved in making it thin and then there has to be a profit. I hope to do better.

1. 
   correy | Jan 14, 2006 07:16pm | #5

   Wow! I should go in to the wood scrap business!I'd make more $ just cutting boards up and reselling the shorter lenghts.Please don't buy in to those rockler and wood craft suppliers exploitation of an inexpensive wood .I paid around $3.50 bft.Nice big wide beautifully figured spanish cedar.I'm up north though.But Maine Coast Lumber might send you a piece if you call and ask nice.Try Niagra lumber ,Groff and Groff lumber,There are alot of dealers out there that will mail you a piece.Look in the back of wood working magazines in the classifieds.Or in the ads in the magazine call a few people .I find everyone that I talk to at the lumber yards to be helpful and informative.Good luck,Correy

2. 
   GrGramps | Apr 02, 2006 10:55pm | #6

   Correy, It's been quite a while since I started this thread, so I thought I would bring you and the others up to date. I went to Cormark International in Weaverville (North of Asheville NC) and got a beautiful piece of Spanish Cedar. It measures 4.75 X 4 X 30 inches long. I could have bought 1/4" stock but decided to resaw and save the difference in price. It was rough sawn and it was like adding an air freshener to the shop the day after I planed it! Smells nothing like red cedar, instead has a very mild spicy odor.
   I am about to start on the humidor, although I still have not decided on specific dimensions.
   I would recommend Cormark to anyone who is looking for something outstanding. http://www.cormarkint.com/
   Roy

3. 
   correy | Apr 03, 2006 06:09am | #7

   Yeah I've bought wood from Fabs down there.Fabs.What is that short for anyway.Sorry that I didn't get back to you as while I had replied to your post I was finishing up a spanish cedar storm door for a job and had(have?) some scrap that I would ship out to you if you needed.Let me know,glad to help if I can.-C

4. 
   GrGramps | Apr 03, 2006 03:01pm | #8

   Correy, The name, Fabs, is perhaps a nickname. He and his partner are both from South Africa and have accents that remind me of the English, but I suppose they may be of Dutch decent. Anyway, they really impressed me.
   Roy