How to Build a Large Humidor

Cut the pine boards and planks to the dimensions outlined in the materials list using a miter saw or circular saw. Most hardware stores will cut the wood for you if you desire.

Assemble the box as one unit. You will cut the box after it is assembled to form the lid. Use two 12-inch pine boards for each side and two 12-inch pine boards between those for the front and back. The boards will sit on top of and beneath the pine planks.

Apply wood glue to the top of the bottom plank along the outer edge where the boards will attach. Add a bead of glue to the ends of the front and back boards. Place the outer boards on the bottom plank and insert the front and back boards between these, making the outline of the box. Add a bead of glue to the top of the boards and set the other plank on top. Secure the structure with two clamps per side. You should have the entire box assembled.

Nail the edges together using 1/2-inch brads and a brad nailer. Use four to five brads per side on both the top and bottom of the box. Use three to four brads where the boards join together on the sides. Wipe off any excess glue. Allow the box to fully dry before removing the clamps.

Snap a chalk line around the exterior of the box one inch from the top of the box. Hold the chalk line marking tool securely against the box making sure the string is taught. Pull the string to snap the line, creating a blue line around the exterior. Make sure the line does not intersect any brads. This will be the opening for the humidor. Use a circular saw to cut along the line. Place the top onto the bottom to make sure the humidor seals correctly and has no gaps between the top and bottom halves.

Attach a piano hinge along the back of the box. The hinge is two separate strips of metal joined in the middle by a thin metal rod. The rod will stretch along the line you just cut in the box. Attach the hinge by driving 1/4-inch nails through the metal strips above and below the metal rod. Cut the excess hinge off with a hacksaw. Attach a lock, if desired, to the front of the box with 1/4-inch nails.

Attach the humidifier and hydrometer to the inside of the lid. The two units should come with adhesive tape on the back. Use glue to attach the units, if no tape is included.