Hey everyone! I'm really interested in woodworking and I enjoy cigars, so I had the idea of making a humidor. I know most beginner projects are just simple boxes, and a humidor is basically that with some additional challenges. I'm considering starting with hand tools because power tools can be quite expensive.
I want to begin with a prototype using cheap wood to practice before I invest in better quality materials. I'm a total newbie and would love any tips or advice on where to start, no matter your skill level. Thanks!
2 Answers
Building a humidor could definitely be a good project. The wood cost isn’t high since you won't need much. If you can find Spanish cedar that's already the right thickness, you can do a lot with just hand tools—think box joints or even dovetails if you want to challenge yourself! Tons of plans are available online to guide you, so I'd suggest looking those up.
I’d say a humidor might not be the best choice for your first project. It has some tricky challenges, like needing to keep humidity levels just right, which requires tight sealing. Wood, especially types like cedar, will change with humidity, and managing that is a bit advanced. But hey, if you’re determined, cedar isn’t too pricey, even the good Spanish cedar. Just be prepared for some fine woodworking skills required!
Definitely go for kiln-dried Spanish cedar! It's often sold as rough lumber at decent prices.
Thanks for the heads up! I know to look for kiln-dried cedar for better results. What do you think about starting with rabbit joints and then moving to dovetails once I get a grip on the tools?
Sounds like a solid plan! I’m going to start with a basic pine box first to practice my skills before jumping into something elaborate.