Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

The only thing that I would add is to keep flavored cigars in a separate humidor :tu

Confused about the beads
 

I purchased 70% beads. Now I am reading you experienced guys have 65% beads, and then I see 60% beads.

I know this has to do something with a personal preference and I am sure the 70% is ok. Why would one want 60% vs 65% vs 70%.

I certainly understand the concept of RH, and the beads on ebay are cheap. So I am not concerned about 5.00 for beads.

What are your thoughts on these different RH beads.

Thanks again

Rich

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Personal taste is ultimately the deciding factor, Rich.

I prefer my smokes around 63%. No need to drybox, they burn well and taste great.

Some people think that Cuban cigars smoke better at 65% or so, and that non-Cuban cigars are better around 70%. The vast majority of cigars in my humdior are CCs, but I still find 70% too "wet" for non-Cubans. I tend to have burn issues with cigars that are that wet.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

To add to what Tom said: many of the members here use beads from Cigarmony, Heartfelt, or shilala. Even a small humi can represent a substantial investment in smokes. I'd prefer to spend a little more and know that my sticks will be safe.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have a total noob question regarding RH in a humidor. It seems after much research, most forum members and premium cigar fans seems to favor 65% humidity. While I know whether 65% or 70% is a topic of debate amongst the consumers, it seems like the standard cigar industry stance is always recommending 70% (noticed this while browsing different cigar brands websites).

My question is: Why is there such a discrepancy between what the cigar manufacturers recommend and what the enthusiasts recommend?

Thanks,

Dennis

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Dennis....most of the manufacturers are makers of Non-Cuban cigars, and even many enthusiasts prefer non-Cubans closer to 70%.

I would take the word of those that have been collecting, storing and smoking cigars out of love of the leaf, not the love of profit. The majority of enthusiasts I know (myself included) like their cigars at 65% or even lower (62-63% myself). Less burn issues, better aging, better draw....of course this is all based on personal experiences, so it is subjective.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Thanks for the quick reply Icehog. In my experience, I also find that listening to the enthusiasts (especially when most take the same stance) is the way to go, no matter what the manufacturers recommend. It just seemed odd to me that none of the major manufacturers seem to even offer up 65% RH as an option to their consumers (except for people who have a financial stake at selling RH products, like Boveda and others).

I've bought some 65% RH beads from Heartfelt and haven't had any problems with the sticks in my humi.

Thanks!

--Dennis

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I agree with you 100% Dennis...good luck with the humidor, and hope you stick around, it's a great community here. :)

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have this box I bought on Ebay, its big enough for the short term while my bigger one is being made, and it seems to keep ok RH, but one corner of the lid does not sit totally flush, I can feel a slight movement when I push down on the corner, is there a way to remedy this without major work? Like a weather-seal type of material or some other DIY stuff?

Here is the box opened and closed:

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8...0908212118.jpg

And...

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1...0908212117.jpg

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

If the box is holding a constant humidity, then it may not be necessary to do any additional sealing. You can use short pieces of masking tape to tighten the gap. :2

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

http://img.cigarsinternational.com/p...h/m-hav300.jpg

Pretend you've just purchased this rather nice humidor. Would you mind going step by step what you'd do to get it ready for cigars? Preferably how to season, how long, beads or no, and how long before I can add cigars.

Thanks guys.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have several humidors like the Foot Locker. There are several ways to season and what I do is not commonly adhered too but it works for me. I wiped down the humidor with a lightly, I repeat lightly, damp cloth of distilled water. Then I placed a bowl of distilled water in the microwave and heated it up for 30 seconds and placed it in the humidor. I repeated that every 12 hours for 2 days. The humidity was very high so I let it come down naturally to about 70%. It took a few more days for that to happen. Then loaded them up. They keep great humidity and I keep them between 59 and 63%. Alot of folks say not to wipe down because it can warp the wood. But if done lightly, I don't think there will a problem. I have always done it with no problems.

Beads are a great way to maintain humidity and I recommend them as I am sure the majority here does, as well. You should be able to take those humidifiers that come with it and take the foam out and place beads in there but I recommend you place your humidifier source in the bottom center of the humidor. Humidity rises.

Good luck!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

:tpd: I agree that wiping it down with a slightly damp cloth will not harm a good humidor. It can cause warpage in the cheapies that use cedar plywood.

Heartfelt beads are the way to go for Rh maintenance. They are like magic and will last for many years. I think most use 65% beads and keep Rh between 62 and 65%. :2

Be sure to take some pics as you fill that baby up!:tu

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I wiped mine with a damp towel as well. Trays also. Then I put a bowl of water with a new sponge in it, and an Oust fan. I let it get a bit over hunidified and then brought it back down to 65%. I use Shilala's 65% beads, work excellently,

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Followup question: I've 200 cigars and only 50ct of seasoned humidor to put them in currently. The chest humidor just arrived yesterday.

Can I keep cigars in the 300ct humidor while seasoning? If not, what should I do with them?

Thanks for the answers guys!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

You will be spiking the humidity in the 300 count while seasoning it, so that would not be wise.

If you have a tupperware container that seals well, they should be fine in there for a few days until the humi is ready.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Hi Everyone,

I have a question about different types of cutters. Is there some general recommendations on when to use a V-cut or a punch cut? I know I've read that the size and shape of the cigar comes in play, but I haven't read any firm recommendations.

I'm currently using just the standard double-guillotine Xikar cutter on all my cigars since that's all I have. Am I missing out on something based on always using a guillotine cut on my cigars?

Thanks,

--Dennis

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

All I use is a guillotine cut, I prefer it personally, but it is all a matter of choice. :)

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I use a double guillotine (specifically a Palio) 99% of the time, but I agree with Tom.

If I were attempting to tackle a +54 ring gauge cigar, I'd probably be more inclined to punch it first, then cut if the punch didn't work out.

It's all a matter of personal choice.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

It's really personal preference.

I use a double guillotine cutter most of the time just but on thinner ring gauge cigars, I use a small punch.

I also use my thumb nail or a sharp pocket knife to cut around the perimeter of the cap to just remove the cap (I actually prefer this method the most)

~Mark

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Just to add a little to the discussion about cutters. I am using my Palio double guillotine cutter less and less. Most of the time I just use my fingernail to remove a portion of the cap. This works very well for me except with particular vitolas that have a tapered head, i.e. Campana, Piramide, etc. This further proves that a lot of things about this hobby is personal preference.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I just got a 1000 count cabinet humi. I also got a Cigar Oasis XL PLUS humidifier. A buddy told me the Oasis will season the humi fully overnight. Seems wrong but I wanna believe. Wise to put around 300 sticks (most in boxes) in after a day of running the Oasis?

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I would give it at least a couple or three day of days. But that's just me.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I agree, I'd give it 5-10 days.

In a cabinet, it's wise to place 3 calibrated, digital hygrometers throughout (top, middle & bottom).

After a few days, see where you are at each.

Don't let your excitement get the best of you. You should wait a little longer than you think to ensure that the new wood has absorb it's capacity of h2o.

As you add cigars, you may the RH drop as well.

I hope this helps

~Mark

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

What's the best travel humidor for the money? I am looking for one that can hold at least 15 and will keep them safe and in good condition if one were to go hiking, camping, the like....

And once you get a travel humidor, is there anything special you need to do to make it ideal for more rough (and possibly lengthy: more than 2 day) expeditions?

Thanks all!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

And to piggy back on that last post, since I am so new to cigars and pipe smoking, I need a humidor because I either have to store the cigars and tobacco on my desk open to the elements (harsh, I know) or I have to store them in a friend's humidor (not a problem, but not ideal).

I've been told by a very reliable source that a humidor is a humidor is a humidor. However, I'd still be interested to hear any ideas from y'all regarding size, product lines to stay away from (bad seals, etc), and just any information in general!

Thanks again in advance for all your help!!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

In my view, one of the very best if Cigarcaddy. Otterbox sold off the cigarcaddy line to some of their employees and they are now at http://www.cigarcaddy.com/

If you aren't going for more than a week, then this is what I recommend:

1. Take all the foam trays out of the cigarcaddy - you won't need them
2. Pack your cigars in 5-finger bags. These keep them separated and provides some cushioning to prevent cigar damage.

Go forth and enjoy. I've checked my 30 count cigarcaddy in soft sided luggage for international travel and never had a stick broken using the above method. I can get about 50 sticks in the 30 count using this method. However, I almost never check it if I can help it.

the zip-lock format of the 5-finger bags will seal in the humidity and the air tight seal on the cigarcaddy helps as well. For travel on an airplane, I suggest one with a pressure relief valve or you might have to wrestle with it to get the box to open after the flight. The rugged and nearly indestructible PVC plastic is a great plus.

I have 3 cigarcaddys, all gifted to me. Love em. Oh yeah, they are waterproof.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

:tpd:
i agree on the cigar caddy....i would get at least the 18 or 30 count, they both come with the pressure relief valve and are virutally indestructible...and as you go forth you will fill and take them with you...

the 30 ct can also double as your desktop if needed....just put some beads in a tube with it and you are good

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Sounds great! Thanks all. I'm probably going to be hitting up cigar caddy very soon now, haha

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Great tips.

Also, the Puck-ifier was designed to fit into the lid of the existing hole in the Xikar 18, 30 & 50 count travel humidors (a hole can easily be cut in the lid foam of the Cigar Caddy).

I hope this helps

~Mark

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

If I want my RH @ 65% lets say, does it matter what the actual temperature is?

For example, if I had 65*/65% or 70*/65% or 75*/65%.........Is there one temperature that is ideal or does it not matter b/c my RH is at 65%?

I see some humis plugged in and some not and the temps are all over the place, just curious if temperatue really mattered as long as your getting your ideal RH numbers?

Hope this makes sense :)

Bart

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

The temperature does make a difference, Bart, as temps which are consistently above 70*F can create conditions which lead to the hatching of beetle eggs. The eggs can lay dormant in the cigar leaves for long periods of time, and can hatch when temperatures are elevated.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have a cheap cutter I picked up for a penny. It actually just smashes and tears my cigars rather then cut them. Before I go spend money on a nice cutter I was wondering if I could get some feedback on ones you guys have found to work best.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Palio....the best in my opinon and many others'. The owner of the company is a member here as well (OpusEx - Marc). :tu

http://www.paliocutters.com/

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Yer a fart smeller . . . er . . . . smart feller, Tom. :)

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cool thanks

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have no choice when I sit next to you, Buddy. :r

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Oh. A wise guy, eh . . .

http://boxoffice.com/blogs/steve/curly.jpg

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...g3/stooges.jpg

Nyuk nyuk nyuk!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Xikar also makes a good cutter. It was my first cutter and it was a great cutter. The problem is I got a Palio and you should do the same :tu

Just wanted to give you another option. Both have lifetime warranties and are comparable in price.

Xikar.com

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

My humidor regularly sees 75deg+ inside according to my hydrometers.

Any issues here?

The heartfelt beads are keeping it at a solid 70% humidity, so no worries there.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Temps of over 75 degrees can lead to a beetle infestation. Most cigars are now treated at the factories and again at many domestic warehouses. But there is always a chance of a beetle or two finding there way to your stash after treatment. Many of us freeze our cigars before putting them in coolers or humidors if there is a chance temps will be high for an extended period of time.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Gotcha. Guess I'll start freezing them in batches to avoid that worry. Thanks!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I am about to start seasoning my Humidor, and I feel that putting a bowl of distilled water instead of wiping down the wood would be best.

Q: When I season the humidor, should the beads be in place, or should I only put the beads inside the humidor after the seasoning process?

Thanks

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I would wait until after the humidor is seasoned to place beads in it. You want the humidor to absorb the moisture - not the beads.
:2

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Thanks for that answer m8, oh and for the quick response. Also, should I wipe down the humidor and then place the bowl, or should i just stick with the bowl theory? This seems safest to me, but I do not want warping to occur.

My analog hygrometer read 76% after the salt test, which i heard is quite rare for analog one's. So, on that I am happy. Receiving digital in a few days however. Thanks

Another temp question
 

Guys

Is the temp issue ONLY to gaurd against beetles?

If you freeze your sticks before putting them in the humi (my house ranges between 74-84 in the summer, Florida sucks :td).... are there any other issues I could run into?

The humi rh stays around 72-75

So.... 77temp/75Rh... = ?? problems?

BTW.. I ordered a Edgestar 28 bottle (wood style) wine cooler yesterday :su

Cheers
Mark

Re: Another temp question
 

RH of 72%-75%, IMO is way too high.

Generally accepted ranges are 60%-70%. It's all a matter of personal preference.
Personally, I prefer 65%.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

:r
Why does the photoshop pic of Moe still look like Moe? I never noticed the resemblance before, Admiral!;)