How to Build an Inexpensive Humidor

Cutting Humidor Pieces

• 1

  Cut your hardwood to make the top and bottom of your humidor. Use the tape measure and pencil to measure out 9 inches X 18 inches for the lid and 7½ inches X 16½ inches for the bottom. Use the circular saw and/or the band saw to cut out the pieces.

• 2

  Use the router and 3/8-inch rounding bit to shape all four edges of the humidor top. Set the top and bottom pieces aside.

• 3

  Measure and mark the side pieces. The left and ride sides should be 5¼ inches X 9 inches while the front and back sides should be 5¼ inches X 18 inches. Cut out the pieces.

• 4

  Use the miter saw, set at a 45 degree angle, to cut one end of each of the sides for the humidor.

• 5

  Put the sides together and use the tape to hold them in place while checking the fit of each piece. Use the black sander and fine or medium grit sandpaper to remove rough corner edges.

Assembling the Humidor

• 6

  Apply a thin bead of glue along the miters on the sides. Press the pieces together and clamp until the glue dries completely. Add two of the 1-inch nails into the top and bottom of each corner.

• 7

  Glue and nail the bottom piece of the humidor box to the side pieces in the same manner. Use two nails for the short sides and four nails for the longer sides, evenly spaced.

• 8

  Use the circular saw to cut the Spanish cedar veneer to the exact measurements of each piece of hardwood. The exact measurements can be obtained by measuring each piece on the inside of the box. Six pieces of veneer are needed.

• 9

  Apply two coats of contact cement to one side of each veneer piece. Use a paint brush and apply the first coat, let it dry, and then add the second coat.

• 10

  Press each piece of veneer to its corresponding piece of hardwood on the inside. Use the roller to ensure that the veneer adheres to the hardwood properly.

• 11

  Sand the outside of the box and the lid with fine grit sandpaper. Apply the polyurethane stain with a paint brush to the outside of the humidor box and lid. Add at least two coats. Allow the stain to dry completely.

• 12

  Attach the two hinges to the inside of the lid, one inch from the corners.

• 13

  Place the lid in its position on the box and line it up properly. Mark the hinge holes for a guide and then secure the bottom hinge sections to the box. Attach any other hardware as desired.

• 14

  Attach the humidifier to the inside of the lid following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the digital hydrometer anywhere inside the closed humidor box section.