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View Full Version : Add me to the Coolidor Club

IndyRob
03-05-2012, 11:13 AM
So my desktop humidor is in dire need of re-seasoning... and it can't hold boxes, and I just picked up two boxes of smokes. I needed to do something and as a interim solution I dumped everything into a Rubbermaid food container that has about 60-70 cigars (pathetic, I know) in it, gel packs and a small digital hydrometer. Sitting at 55% RH now, probably need to add a few more gel packs....

Because of my storage issues, I went out at lunch and bought a 48qt cooler. Looking at the darned thing... It's way bigger than I actually realized. I definitely don't have enough beads for it (I'm gonna have to order some later today I think), and I want an external hydrometer so I don't have to open it to see what's going on.
ApexAZ
03-05-2012, 11:21 AM
I don't think tupperware is pathetic at all and I think you'll find that the cooler will fill up faster than you think. The best cooler advice I got was to fill it up with empty boxes to help maintain humidity. Have fun with it brother.
ApexAZ
03-05-2012, 11:23 AM
By the way, I've never heard of an external hygrometer. What do you have in mind for this? I think you probably don't need it with beads. It's good to open it once in a while to get some circulation and fresh air.
tengel78
03-05-2012, 11:50 AM
If you're like me, your 48qt will be full in a couple weeks!
IndyRob
03-05-2012, 12:02 PM
haha, the pathetic comment was in regards to how many cigars I own. I was hoping there was a hygrometer with a probe or something, but the more I think about it... Opening her up once in awhile to get a head count probably isn't a bad idea. :)
ApexAZ
03-05-2012, 12:14 PM
haha, the pathetic comment was in regards to how many cigars I own. I was hoping there was a hygrometer with a probe or something, but the more I think about it... Opening her up once in awhile to get a head count probably isn't a bad idea. :)

Ah okay. 70 cigars with a few boxes on the way seems like a good start! :tu
shilala
03-05-2012, 12:38 PM
haha, the pathetic comment was in regards to how many cigars I own. I was hoping there was a hygrometer with a probe or something, but the more I think about it... Opening her up once in awhile to get a head count probably isn't a bad idea. :)
It's definately a good idea to root around in there every once in awhile to make sure everything is okay. :tu
irratebass
03-05-2012, 12:39 PM
Congrats Rob......Um, I may be going the cooler route as well, the TRUNKADOR is filled now....time to start getting the cooler ready. I have the "Cube" one.
chaase321
03-05-2012, 01:01 PM
my first 48qt is already full :td My second is on the way :tu

You will be filling that thing in no time Rob! I love the cooler and couldn't imagine spending $35-$40 any other way if it isn't on cigars :r

Also, if you think you are losing humidity...I bought weather stripping from Lowes and put that around the the lip and the lid and it holds really well with a weight on top. Of course, I open it about 4 -5 times a week :D
Bad Finger
03-05-2012, 01:02 PM
By the way, I've never heard of an external hygrometer. What do you have in mind for this? I think you probably don't need it with beads. It's good to open it once in a while to get some circulation and fresh air.

It is nice to see the humidity without having to open up the cooler, letting out more humidity. Not completely necessary, but nice to have the option.
Boz
03-05-2012, 03:14 PM
If you're like me, your 48qt will be full in a couple weeks!


Yup :D Thats what happened to me.
dwoodward
03-05-2012, 03:19 PM
It's definately a good idea to root around in there every once in awhile to make sure everything is okay. :tu

+1... nothing can ruin your stash like a bunch of creepy crawlies.
CigarNut
03-05-2012, 03:36 PM
Oregon Scientific (http://www.oregonscientificstore.com/oregon_scientific/sf_sub.asp?store=1&set=04_wcos) (among others) sells wireless hygrometers that are pretty good. The price is not bad -- they can be had for anywhere from $20-$40. The catch is that you need their base station (weather station) to receive the wireless signal. I had a weather station and it has 10 "slots" for devices (outdoor thermometer, wind speed, rain gauge, etc.) so I added some additional hygrometers for my humidors. They cannot be calibrated but after salt testing them they are pretty close.

It comes down to how much money you want to spend on all this. BTW, I still go into the humidors about the same number of times...
trendo
03-07-2012, 10:37 PM
I got a weather station from lowes for under 20. It has a remote sensor to measure temp and humidity. It is five percent off on the humidity, but it's easy to subtract from what you see.
IndyRob
03-08-2012, 10:05 AM
So here it is, have an 8oz bag of beads on the way. I just need to figure out where to put that, so that I can get to it pretty easily.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=13&pictureid=6903
jledou
03-08-2012, 10:15 AM
Looks good Rob ... but I see empty space :)
IndyRob
03-08-2012, 10:44 AM
In the words of the great Bernie Mac.... I aint scared of you m*****f*****s! :noon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbvNbfDvNHI

kick it!

p.s. c'mon now, I just got that darned thing!
Taki
03-08-2012, 12:17 PM
Add me please...I had to grab one the other day!!! 52qt :noon
Remo
03-08-2012, 12:19 PM
No going back after the cooler :tu
BlindedByScience
03-08-2012, 12:32 PM
When I ran coolers, I used bubble wrap to take up the empty space. No reason to humidify space you aren't using. Worked great, easy to recommend.
SteelCityBoy
03-09-2012, 05:19 AM
I joined this club a few months back as well! Can't go wrong with this idea if you need storage space quick! Still need to pick up some Shilala beads though to make life and my RH maintanence a littler easier...
MrClean
03-09-2012, 05:23 AM
So here it is, have an 8oz bag of beads on the way. I just need to figure out where to put that, so that I can get to it pretty easily.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=13&pictureid=6903

Rob, I have one of my bags tied to the strap that is connected to the lid. My cooler is standing up on end so it actually hangs down but I think it's worth a try on yours too.
Looks good brother!
IndyRob
03-09-2012, 08:50 AM
Lots of great ideas. Thanks all. I got my Shilala beads yesterday along with an adjustable hygrometer. Calibrated that last night, was only off by 4% which I was able to easily adjust.

I stuffed everything in the cooler this morning, looking forward to see this come together in the next few weeks.

Now I need to re-season my desktop humidor so that I have a place for my dailies. :)
DMK
03-09-2012, 09:50 AM
Because of my storage issues, I went out at lunch and bought a 48qt cooler.

Only one...:confused:
:r:r
Islayphile
03-09-2012, 10:16 AM
I have a 70qt sitting at home that's calling to me to convert it over.

I've been fighting the urge but I may just have to give in.

:bx
IndyRob
03-13-2012, 09:39 AM
The 8oz bag of beads has brought the cooler up to 61% RH as of this morning. Looks like it is going to be working great. Now to get some sticks in there!
Islayphile
03-15-2012, 09:09 AM
I fought the cooler and the cooler won...

Beads & Oust Fans are inbound