My coolider project
 

Hey all!

I just put together my first coolidor, and I thought that I'd share my experience. Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions on how I could improve my setup. I'm here to learn!

I started by buying a full pound of RH beads and a Xikar digital hygrometer, and according to their website, that quantity of beads should be able to supply a 150 quart cooler or 5.0 cu ft. Originally, I wanted to build a ~75 quart coolidor, but I also wanted to use the beads in my standard humidor as well. I thought that a little overkill would be good here!

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMAG0016-2.jpg

After getting my beads and hygrometer, I visited my local Wally World and found a 45 quart cooler. I wanted a bigger one, but at this late in the season, they were sold out of bigger ones. After getting the cooler home, I washed the inside with a mild detergent, rinsed it thoroughly, and set it outside to dry in the sunlight.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMAG0017-2.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMAG0015-1.jpg

Moving inside, I opened the beads and dug out the mesh bag inside. Using a kitchen funnel, I CAREFULLY poured about 3/4 of the beads into the bag, and per the directions, I added about 3 tbls of distilled water to the beads. I could actually hear the beads crackle as they soaked up some of the water, and the beads turned clear as they soaked up the water. After the soaking process, I hung the bag using the plastic strap in the cooler that keeps the lid from flying wide open. It was perfect to keep the bag of beads hanging in the cooler to give maximum surface area to absorb/emit moisture as needed.

***Although I didn't show it here, I also calibrated my hygrometer using using the salt and water calibration method.***

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMAG0019-2.jpg

After I got the cooler washed and ready with the beads, I loaded the cooler with a few empty boxes that I picked up from my local B&M shop. They sell empty boxes for $2/$3 each, and I thought that they would be perfect to keep my extra sticks in. Finally, I added the hygrometer on top and shut the lid. Since I have a regular humidor for my daily smoking needs, I'm going to use the coolidor for my long term storage, so I'm not going to be opening it very often. The beads are nice to load it there and forget all of your humidification worries.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...IMAG0020-1.jpg

Honestly, this was a pretty easy project. I figure that it cost about $75, including the coolier, hygrometer, and the full pound of beads. I'm glad that I have plenty of space....for now!

Re: My coolider project
 

That space won't be empty for long. :D

Re: My coolider project
 

I know... I was hoping that the coolidor size limitations would curb me from spending more $$$ on cigars! Fat chance of that... -(P

Re: My coolider project
 

Very kool Nick... :tu I'm getting ready to start my kooler some time next week.

Re: My coolider project
 

:r You should hit the comedy circuit with jokes like that!!!!

Re: My coolider project
 

Funny guy... :r :r :r

Re: My coolider project
 

looking good so far.............. just alot of empty space...........

Re: My coolider project
 

:tpd:....................................Just sayin'!!!!

Re: My coolider project
 

Yeah, I know. I'm a noob, remember? I've blown my budget for this month and maybe for next, so the empty space will have to wait! :D

Re: My coolider project
 

This should be posted in the jokes thread!!!!:r:r

Re: My coolider project
 

slim chance..............

Re: My coolider project
 

I am doing the same setup! Looking good brother!

Re: My coolider project
 

I will have a cooler soon. Looks great Nick :tu

Re: My coolider project
 

Newb statement

Re: My coolider project
 

Looks like mine!

Re: My coolider project
 

Between you and Garry posting empty cooler pics, I can see alot of carnage flying around soon :gary

Re: My coolider project
 

I got some sticks added.. 20 to be exact... Hardly a dent in the cooler though.

Re: My coolider project
 

Yup

Re: My coolider project
 

nice set up right there

Re: My coolider project
 

Good job!!!:tu

Re: My coolider project
 

:<

I give up, I give up! Have mercy!

Re: My coolider project
 

Ok all, I checked on the humidity in the coolidor and my humidor this morning, and both were running around 73% even though I have 65% beads. Do you think that I put too much water into the beads? How should I remedy this?

Re: My coolider project
 

I'd give it a couple of days to season (at least as much as plastic can season...) and settle in. It will adjust shortly.

Re: My coolider project
 

Same thing on mine.. Way high this morning.. But I am heading out to buy some boxes.

Re: My coolider project
 

Looks like a great start buddy. Have fun filling her up.

Re: My coolider project
 

I had two of those Igloo Island Breeze coolers, both leaked pretty badly, I was always having to add water to the humidification. Seemed like every 2-3 weeks.

Ended up going back to Rubbermaid Victory coolers which seal so well that they hardly ever need water added. Same cigars, same humidifiers, only have to add water to them 2-3 times a year.

Hope you have better luck with the Island Breeze (or you can find your receipt).

The Island Breezes do a good job of keep food cold though, once I got the tobacco smell out of them...

Re: My coolider project
 

Sweet, Mine is a Rubbermaid. Not sure what model.

Re: My coolider project
 

Update...

I looked at my coolidor and humidor, and both had fairly high humidity. Looking at the beads, they were entirely clear which means they were full of water. Honestly, I think that I put too much water into them when I put everything together on Friday. To remedy it, I've propped open the cooler and humidor and will let the humidity bleed off over the next day or so.

More to come!

Re: My coolider project
 

Depending on what beads you are using, you can throw them in the fridge and that will suck some of the moisture out of the beads.

Re: My coolider project
 

I think I read on one of the bead sites that you can use a hairdryer on them as well. Don't take me word for it though cuz my memory ain't what it used to be.

Re: My coolider project
 

Thanks for the suggestion on drying out the beads. I might look at some of the beads websites and see what I can find. Right now, I've got both propped open to dry out a bit, and I'm inspecting them twice a day.

Re: My coolider project
 

I Would Try That Route First. Shilala May Be Able To Help If You PM Him.:tu

Re: My coolider project
 

I used the heartfelt beds.. 65.. Works GREAT. I only have 3 wooden boxes right now.. And they are over flowing already. I think I may need about 5 more boxes and some sort of fan.

Re: My coolider project
 

If my Wineador fills up one of these days or I start getting boxes I'm gonna have to do something like this myself

Re: My coolider project
 

Truer words were never spoken, Mac. I came home from an event at my local B&M yesterday, and as I unloaded my treasures, I realized that my coolidor is just about full now! I started with 2 partial boxes and now I have 8 FULL boxes. I have a little bit of room to grow, but I'm just about out of space! :lr