Humidor Plans

If cigars are your passion, a humidor isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. To make sure your cigars and tobacco are stored properly and safe from the damaging effects of too little or too much moisture, investing in a humidor is the only way to go - but if you have the time, and the inclination, you can make one yourself, customized to suit your needs. Humidor plans are simple enough to procure, and easy to execute. Not only will it be a DIY project that you can take on, but it also has its practical applications in keeping your pipes and paraphernalia well looked after.

Most humidors are made of wood, and make use of a hygrometer to ensure humidity remains at optimum levels, but some models are made from glass or acrylic as well. Cigars in particular are prone to lose their flavor if they aren't kept in an environment which is warm and moist, thereby conducive to retaining the texture of the tobacco, and leaves can become dry and brittle over time. Conversely, too much moisture can alter the flavor profile entirely and form an invitation for mold to develop. Storage in a humidor ensures the humidity and temperature are kept as close to optimum as possible. The following are some directions to help you choose from DIY plans to begin with your woodworking project.

Cigar Humidor Plans
When you decide to begin with making your own portable storage humidor, the first thing to consider is the size and dimensions you require. Depending on the number of cigars you intend to store, you can scale up or down on the plans that you select - once you've established the basic design, the rest of the structure will easily fall into place. Wood humidors are generally the most popular not only because of their ability to afford functionality, but also as a result of their aesthetic appeal. A number of wood varieties are suitable - choose from Spanish cedar, rosewood, teak, cherry, birch, walnut and maple. Spanish cedar is the most popular wood of choice because of its ability to hold more moisture than most woods, additionally, it imparts its own aroma to the cigar, enhancing the flavor. Another important plus point is its ability to repel insect infestations, particularly from tobacco beetles. Spanish cedar is less prone to warping as well.

The main premise of a humidor is to maintain humidity and moisture. Ideal storage conditions range around 68 - 72% relative humidity and approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, this involves the use of a humidifying element - these are solutions or compounds that release humidity at intervals, popular among which is a solution of propylene glycol and distilled water - the humidity levels are measured using a hygrometer. There are also electronic humidifiers which are battery operated and keep a check on moisture levels. Large plans of humidors may also suggest mounting a hygrometer with rear humidity sensors, on the front of the humidor, allowing you to measure humidity without opening the box.

There are a number of online sites that offer free humidor plans for the DIY enthusiast. While it's easy enough to buy one, building a humidor from scratch allows you to choose the design and finish to complement your home - while giving you a chance to showcase your woodworking skills. Take the time to sort through plans till you find one that supports your abilities, and get to work - your cigars will not only last longer, they'll taste better too!