Coolidor project

[Blak Smyth]

I have just purchased my first coolidor, bought a hygrometer.
The Shilala beads will be delivered today.
I posted on another thread with an idea I was thinking about getting (In due time) but quickly deleted my post in fear I was threadjacking, so here it is.

Clearly this is just a rough draft, I slapped it together in MS Paint to get it out of my head. I have some time before I can afford to do this but it is a project I am really interested in.
Let me know what you guys think about a shelving system, something like this. I am looking for opinions, suggestions or experiences, thanks:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6076545104_b28b9aea29.jpg

Question:
Should the bead tray be in the center or it doesn't matter?




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[WittyUserName]

I can see what you are trying to do. I think the tray should stay where it is and you can just go with another full length tray on top for more storage space. I assume the open space above the crumb catcher is for boxes? This looks awesome, I need you to get it done within the next 6 months so I can copy you when I get home.

[Mattso3000]

Certainly looks like that would get the job done. I like the idea of the sliding upper shelf, but it may be easier/ cheaper/ more storage space to put in two smaller but removable shelves there. Will be one heck of a coolidor when you get it done, make sure you take pics and post on the progress!

[irratebass]

I'm liking the idea, sorry no advice to give....too new, but def want to see the progress.

[jesseboston81]

In my opinion, once you're in coolidor territory it's just easier to use empty boxes to hold singles rather than special trays. I like the look of handcrafted trays in a vinodor since they add to the display factor (like the vino I have on display in my dining room), but coolidors generally are all about function and not really aesthetics--just toss any singles in empty boxes, and that way you can adjust which empty boxes you are using to fit the amount of singles you have and the available space in the coolidor.

Of course, this is all my opinion. Some people like fancy shelves and trays in their coolidors, and Forrest even makes a very handsome set of drawers for the Coleman 150qt Marine cooler. (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47592)

[Blak Smyth]

In my opinion, once you're in coolidor territory it's just easier to use empty boxes to hold singles rather than special trays. I like the look of handcrafted trays in a vinodor since they add to the display factor (like the vino I have on display in my dining room), but coolidors generally are all about function and not really aesthetics--just toss any singles in empty boxes, and that way you can adjust which empty boxes you are using to fit the amount of singles you have and the available space in the coolidor.

Of course, this is all my opinion. Some people like fancy shelves and trays in their coolidors, and Forrest even makes a very handsome set of drawers for the Coleman 150qt Marine cooler. (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47592)

I know and that is the dilemna here. I was going to do a vino but ran into some financial troubles, now I am settleing for a coolidor and still have a desire to make it custom. And Forrest's thread is what inspired me to buy a cooler in the first place.:r

Thanks for your opinions guys, I will just be storing stuff in the cooler at first with only a box of cigars and a shelf out of my humidor for singles.

[Blak Smyth]

More questions:

Can I put my 20 count humidors directly into my coolidor and store cigars that way?
I was bombed a box of cigars and the outside of the box is like a velvet material, can I keep that box in my coolidor?



I can see what you are trying to do. I think the tray should stay where it is and you can just go with another full length tray on top for more storage space. I assume the open space above the crumb catcher is for boxes? This looks awesome, I need you to get it done within the next 6 months so I can copy you when I get home.

Yes that center area would be the box storage facility.
I agree with you guys about the extra singles storage but I like the idea of a sliding shelf.
I could maybe do 3 full stack shelves and then one half slider on top?
I will keep most of my singles in my desktop.

[Apoco]

More questions:

Can I put my 20 count humidors directly into my coolidor and store cigars that way?

Yes. I have a 75 count in my humidor (that way my dad's cigars are still kept seperate but he doesn't have to worry about humidification). We put a small piece of cardboard to keep it open. Would seem pointless to have a sealed humidor inside of a humidor. :)
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[CigarNut]

One thing about beads -- all beads, not just HCM beads -- they work through exposed surface area. So the more surface area exposed to the air space inside the humidor the better. As far as positioning your bead tray is fine -- I would would make the sides smaller (lower) -- just big enough to hold the beads in place. Just my :2

[Boz]

In my opinion, once you're in coolidor territory it's just easier to use empty boxes to hold singles rather than special trays. I like the look of handcrafted trays in a vinodor since they add to the display factor (like the vino I have on display in my dining room), but coolidors generally are all about function and not really aesthetics--just toss any singles in empty boxes, and that way you can adjust which empty boxes you are using to fit the amount of singles you have and the available space in the coolidor.

Of course, this is all my opinion. Some people like fancy shelves and trays in their coolidors, and Forrest even makes a very handsome set of drawers for the Coleman 150qt Marine cooler. (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47592)

Exactly what I do. :tu

[Blak Smyth]

One thing about beads -- all beads, not just HCM beads -- they work through exposed surface area. So the more surface area exposed to the air space inside the humidor the better. As far as positioning your bead tray is fine -- I would would make the sides smaller (lower) -- just big enough to hold the beads in place. Just my :2

Great advice, thanks!

[Devanmc]

personally i like to have my beads spread out threw the humi, a bag here and bag there, But i doubt it really matters. You could also design in a place for a computer fan to circulate air. Some say this helps things other say it doesnt matter. its really all up you.

[Bill86]

I personally wouldn't go too fancy on the coolidors. To me it defeats the purpose of them being cheap temporary (or permanent) storage.

Save your cash for smokes to fill it and pimp it out later :2

[Skywalker]

I personally wouldn't go too fancy on the coolidors. To me it defeats the purpose of them being cheap temporary (or permanent) storage.

Save your cash for smokes to fill it and pimp it out later :2

:tpd:

Save up for a Vino or cabinet!:2

[WittyUserName]

I cannot wait to get my vino

but I will be getting a cooler first.

[shilala]

I dig the idea, Shane, and I see where you're going. It's pretty cool and it's nice and functional. Thing is, once you've spent that money it's gone, and you'll grow out of it before another year is up, guaranteed.
If you're making that setup in your own shop from inexpensive material, that's one thing. If you're paying someone big ching to knock it out for you, that's another. As a woodworker, that'd be my advice if you came to me to make it for you. If you insisted, I'd definately talk you into an inexpensive base material so you can set aside the whole thing when you move into vino territory.
You'll be doing yourself a big favor if you put this money away towards a vino, because it's going to be substantial in shipping alone, compared to what a vino or edgestar costs.
If you can't shake the idea, and you can grind it out yourself for next to nothing, rock on. If you have it custom made from Spanish Cedar, and see the price, I think you'll change your mind and wait.
However you decide to go, please keep us updated. I'd like to see what you decide, and what it looks like if you have it done. :tu

[Blak Smyth]

Okay so I took the advice of many and decided to just go to a B&M and pick up a few empty boxes to create shelves, I will post pics after I take some. Keeping it simple and effective!

Thanks everybody for your advice, I realize I was being a little over achieving with a coolidor plan now. Someday I will do a nice winador and then I will get some nice shelves made.

[irratebass]

Can't wait to see this, I want a coolidor, but I think I am overstepping my 2 humi's aren't full yet and I haven't even purchased a box yet...I think you all are making me envious/jumping the boat too soon.

Sure I will need a coolidor, but for right now I should just be happy with what I have (this is me convincing myself heh)

[Blak Smyth]

Can't wait to see this, I want a coolidor, but I think I am overstepping my 2 humi's aren't full yet and I haven't even purchased a box yet...I think you all are making me envious/jumping the boat too soon.

Sure I will need a coolidor, but for right now I should just be happy with what I have (this is me convincing myself heh)

If finally decided to pull the trigger and just get a cooler, best descision I made. Keeping it simple with empty boxes, second best descision. One of the empties I grabbed had little plastic rows to use as a holder/spacer for the cigars.

[Blak Smyth]

Question for coolidor owners:


Should I drill holes in the sides of my empty cigar boxes to let the air flow better?
I am using these as shelves in my coolidor with singles in them.
When I stack the cigar boxes there is not much room for air to get in.

[CigarNut]

Question for coolidor owners:


Should I drill holes in the sides of my empty cigar boxes to let the air flow better?
I am using these as shelves in my coolidor with singles in them.
When I stack the cigar boxes there is not much room for air to get in.
That's really up to you. A lot of people think that limiting airflow promotes aging.

Me, I am a big fan of airflow...

[Blak Smyth]

That's really up to you. A lot of people think that limiting airflow promotes aging.

Me, I am a big fan of airflow...

I know it is true, but being a newb is soo frustrating when you hear the answers "it's up to you" or "whatever you like", haha. I know it's the truth with about everything with cigars, it is just hard to get used to hearing I guess. With time I will learn to just do whatever I think might work. Thanks for your opinion about airflow, not sure why but I think a little airflow could be nice to keep the RH consistent, I dont really want my NCs to age much anyways. Maybe I will do a box for CCs that has no air holes and the rest with holes for the NCs. I think I just figured it out, maybe.

[CigarNut]

I know it is true, but being a newb is soo frustrating when you hear the answers "it's up to you" or "whatever you like", haha. I know it's the truth with about everything with cigars, it is just hard to get used to hearing I guess. With time I will learn to just do whatever I think might work. Thanks for your opinion about airflow, not sure why but I think a little airflow could be nice to keep the RH consistent, I dont really want my NCs to age much anyways. Maybe I will do a box for CCs that has no air holes and the rest with holes for the NCs. I think I just figured it out, maybe.More advice: get a second cooler -- one for NCs and one for CCs :D, that way you can store them at different RH's.

[Blak Smyth]

More advice: get a second cooler -- one for NCs and one for CCs :D, that way you can store them at different RH's.

Oh crap, I never thought about that. I do remember reading that though about different RH.
Well it would be cheaper to just smoke all my CCs and then I am golden:D

[Drez]

Question for coolidor owners:


Should I drill holes in the sides of my empty cigar boxes to let the air flow better?
I am using these as shelves in my coolidor with singles in them.
When I stack the cigar boxes there is not much room for air to get in.

no real need. when i used my cooler (and many members here) have no problem having boxes crammed anywhere you can fit them.

dont over think the cooler.
cooler + cigars + beads = done

its that simple :D:D

[Brutus2600]

no real need. when i used my cooler (and many members here) have no problem having boxes crammed anywhere you can fit them.

dont over think the cooler.
cooler + cigars + beads = done

its that simple :D:D

Yeah, that's kind of the beauty of a coolidor :tu

[CigarNut]

Oh crap, I never thought about that. I do remember reading that though about different RH.
Well it would be cheaper to just smoke all my CCs and then I am golden:DDon't worry -- I was responding to to your earlier comments about the "it's up to you" or "whatever you like" advice, by giving you pointed (and unneeded) advice :D

[kelmac07]

Got a quick and easy solution for ya Shane...just send me your cigars and I will smoke them and you won't have to worry about what the RH level is. :r :r :r

Couldn't resist brother. :D

[Blak Smyth]

Don't worry -- I was responding to to your earlier comments about the "it's up to you" or "whatever you like" advice, by giving you pointed (and unneeded) advice :D

:r

I wasn't trying to be a jerk, was just expressing some of my frustration as a newb. I am sure you Vets get tired of answering some newb questions as well.



Got a quick and easy solution for ya Shane...just send me your cigars and I will smoke them and you won't have to worry about what the RH level is.

Couldn't resist brother. :D

Whats your addy so I can send em,
It is so nice of you to offer to store them for me since you have available room!:r

(You would be pretty familiar with most of them anyway;) since they were once in your humidor)

[kelmac07]

Whats your addy so I can send em,
It is so nice of you to offer to store them for me since you have available room!:r

(You would be pretty familiar with most of them anyway;) since they were once in your humidor)

Like I have room. :r :r My vinos have a sign on all of them...

NO VACANCY!! ;s

[shilala]

I know it is true, but being a newb is soo frustrating when you hear the answers "it's up to you" or "whatever you like", haha. I know it's the truth with about everything with cigars, it is just hard to get used to hearing I guess. With time I will learn to just do whatever I think might work. Thanks for your opinion about airflow, not sure why but I think a little airflow could be nice to keep the RH consistent, I dont really want my NCs to age much anyways. Maybe I will do a box for CCs that has no air holes and the rest with holes for the NCs. I think I just figured it out, maybe.

You'll find that lots of guys like to obsess about every little thing at first. After time they realize that none of it is necessary and abandon all the "over-thinking". It's just a pathway for us, and it's good. Ultimately it makes us understand what's going on, and that allows us to take good care of cigars.
At some points, you're just gonna have to roll the dice. Try one thing, then some months later, try another. You'll probably notice that neither approach made a difference, but it may make a difference to YOU. In the end, that's the guy you have to please.
That's what "it's up to you" means. It means "give it a shot and see what you see". In the end you'll adopt sound methods that you enjoy and aren't too much work.
When someone says "it's up to you", he's not saying "take a chance" because no one here is going to let you do anything that's harmful to your stash. (Unless, of course you insist on doing something harmful after you've been told not to, then they'll let you do what you want because it's your right, misguided or not.)

[Drez]

You'll find that lots of guys like to obsess about every little thing at first. After time they realize that none of it is necessary and abandon all the "over-thinking". It's just a pathway for us, and it's good. Ultimately it makes us understand what's going on, and that allows us to take good care of cigars.
At some points, you're just gonna have to roll the dice. Try one thing, then some months later, try another. You'll probably notice that neither approach made a difference, but it may make a difference to YOU. In the end, that's the guy you have to please.
That's what "it's up to you" means. It means "give it a shot and see what you see". In the end you'll adopt sound methods that you enjoy and aren't too much work.
When someone says "it's up to you", he's not saying "take a chance" because no one here is going to let you do anything that's harmful to your stash. (Unless, of course you insist on doing something harmful after you've been told not to, then they'll let you do what you want because it's your right, misguided or not.)

what this clown said...............(sorry scott :D)

[kelmac07]

You'll find that lots of guys like to obsess about every little thing at first. After time they realize that none of it is necessary and abandon all the "over-thinking". It's just a pathway for us, and it's good. Ultimately it makes us understand what's going on, and that allows us to take good care of cigars.
At some points, you're just gonna have to roll the dice. Try one thing, then some months later, try another. You'll probably notice that neither approach made a difference, but it may make a difference to YOU. In the end, that's the guy you have to please.
That's what "it's up to you" means. It means "give it a shot and see what you see". In the end you'll adopt sound methods that you enjoy and aren't too much work.
When someone says "it's up to you", he's not saying "take a chance" because no one here is going to let you do anything that's harmful to your stash. (Unless, of course you insist on doing something harmful after you've been told not to, then they'll let you do what you want because it's your right, misguided or not.)

AWESOME post Scott. :tu :tu :tu (and so very true)

[Blak Smyth]

You'll find that lots of guys like to obsess about every little thing at first. After time they realize that none of it is necessary and abandon all the "over-thinking". It's just a pathway for us, and it's good. Ultimately it makes us understand what's going on, and that allows us to take good care of cigars.
At some points, you're just gonna have to roll the dice. Try one thing, then some months later, try another. You'll probably notice that neither approach made a difference, but it may make a difference to YOU. In the end, that's the guy you have to please.
That's what "it's up to you" means. It means "give it a shot and see what you see". In the end you'll adopt sound methods that you enjoy and aren't too much work.
When someone says "it's up to you", he's not saying "take a chance" because no one here is going to let you do anything that's harmful to your stash. (Unless, of course you insist on doing something harmful after you've been told not to, then they'll let you do what you want because it's your right, misguided or not.)

Thanks Scott, very well stated!
I think I gonna try the drill method, it will be fun anyway!

[Drez]

Thanks Scott, very well stated!
I think I gonna try the drill method, it will be fun anyway!

keyword is fun....... thats all you gotta remember,

[Blak Smyth]

keyword is fun....... thats all you gotta remember,

Copy

[irratebass]

dont over think the cooler.
cooler + cigars + beads = done

its that simple


Yeah Frank, but as it has been mentioned a lot of people make noobs overthink these issues and drive us crazy.

Hey Mac, I have an idea....send me some of your overflow, then Shane will send you some of his and then we're all square and you're back to NO VACANCY LOLLOLOLOLOLOL:tu

[Drez]

Copy

:tu

Yeah Frank, but as it has been mentioned a lot of people make noobs overthink these issues and drive us crazy.

Hey Mac, I have an idea....send me some of your overflow, then Shane will send you some of his and then we're all square and you're back to NO VACANCY LOLLOLOLOLOLOL:tu

and its not just the noobs i think after a while you calm down a lot but you still have your moments where you might "snap back to over analyzing something lol.

[kelmac07]

Hey Mac, I have an idea....send me some of your overflow, then Shane will send you some of his and then we're all square and you're back to NO VACANCY LOLLOLOLOLOLOL:tu

Sure thing Mickey...PM me your address. :tu :tu

[irratebass]

:tu



and its not just the noobs i think after a while you calm down a lot but you still have your moments where you might "snap back to over analyzing something lol.

It's those moments that make us feel like we are doing things wrong, and fear for the longevity of our smokes, but enough of this and not trying to hijack the thread, will just heed the advice of not to overthink things. :tu

[shilala]

I think I gonna try the drill method, it will be fun anyway!
It ain't gonna hurt a thing, my friend. :tu

[Skywalker]

Yesterday, when I was a young noob (now I'm an old noob), I followed the sage advice and left my boxes in tact!

The wisdom at the time was that the boxes breathe (slowly). Just like the age old cello on or off debate, the boxes protect the cigars from mold and bugs and such. Open boxes will spread problems more quickly.

Example: I had a box of cigars (CFOs thank goodness) that started to mold. Because they were in a closed box, they were the only cigar affected. I threw away the molded cigars and the box... no muss, no fuss! If those had been open boxes I would have had to wipe down my vino!

Drilling holes is fun, but I was mentored by a man who spends very little time fiddling with cigars (and accessories) and more time smoking them!

It's a hobby, have as much fun as possible!:tu

[Blak Smyth]

Thanks guys, I am gonna drill the NC boxes and leave the CC box alone.

[shilala]

These are just your boxes you'll be throwing your odd singles in to act like trays, right?
You don't mess with your dress boxes and cabs and stuff. You just leave them closed and stashed. That's gospel.

[Blak Smyth]

These are just your boxes you'll be throwing your odd singles in to act like trays, right?
You don't mess with your dress boxes and cabs and stuff. You just leave them closed and stashed. That's gospel.

Yes I am just playing around with empty boxes I picked up from a B&M.
I will include some pics when I do the drilling.

[madwilliamflint]

Love the idea. I'll tell ya, after a couple years with a pair of coolidors my biggest frustration is getting to the stock "that's down there somewhere." Fortunately mine are wide enough that normal trays fit across. But it makes it a headache looking for something specific.

So I'd definitely stick with the sliding tray idea.

[Blak Smyth]

Love the idea. I'll tell ya, after a couple years with a pair of coolidors my biggest frustration is getting to the stock "that's down there somewhere." Fortunately mine are wide enough that normal trays fit across. But it makes it a headache looking for something specific.

So I'd definitely stick with the sliding tray idea.

That's my thinking, I have only had it for a couple weeks but I am tired of removing boxes all the time. Would definitly be a nice feature but is it worth the money to have it built? Prolly not.

[CigarNut]

Love the idea. I'll tell ya, after a couple years with a pair of coolidors my biggest frustration is getting to the stock "that's down there somewhere." Fortunately mine are wide enough that normal trays fit across. But it makes it a headache looking for something specific.

So I'd definitely stick with the sliding tray idea.I believe it's called Cigar Tetris :)

[irratebass]

BTW Shane, this is on now.....do your part mister :sl

To recap: Hey Mac, I have an idea....send me some of your overflow, then Shane will send you some of his and then we're all square and you're back to NO VACANCY

[madwilliamflint]

That's my thinking, I have only had it for a couple weeks but I am tired of removing boxes all the time. Would definitly be a nice feature but is it worth the money to have it built? Prolly not.

Indeed. I just can't see the guys who spend thousands on ubergorgeous boxes. That's just not that important to me. Coolers work. I may build a bench/table to go around them. But that's about it.

[Blak Smyth]

Well I kept it simple, but the only issue I have is where do I keep my beads?!?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6459207209_d04643c3da.jpg
Well I forgot about this thread, I never did drill any holes. I just took the lids off a few boxes to use as trays, and kept a few other boxes closed for storage.
Looking back on this thread I see how much I was over thinking it.
Thanks for all the advice, I just kept it simple.

I went to Walmart to grab a second cooler, so I could have one with singles and one with boxes. Walmart didn't have anymore of the cheap ones so I just used a smaller cooler I already had.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6459207599_df378ee357_z.jpg

[Fordman4ever]

nice

[Blak Smyth]

Just a note:
The Oliva boxes (the top left is one and on the bottom right below the lanceros) with the lids removed fit into each other nice and tight if you turn them opposite direrctions. Great for stacking!
I got many of them for free or $1-$3 at local B&Ms.