Modifying a cedar chest to use as a humidor?

[captain53]

Originally Posted by spectrrr

OK, someone set me straight here. I've NEVER seen it discussed, which makes me think there's a damned good reason why no one is doing it.

Why can't you take a used Lane cedar chest, add a gasket on the lid to get the seal good and tight, and then use that for a cheap cedar humidor?

Because it is Red Cedar not Spanish Cedar. Spanish Cedar is a member of the Mahogany Family and Red Cedar is a whole different family and not ideal for cigars.

Spanish cedar does not originate from Spain as one might assume but is generally imported from Brazil and other countries of South and Central America. In some individual cases resin may form on the surface of the wood (See also humidor is secreting/resin). The risk of resin formation can be substantially reduced by previously drying the wood carefully.

American red cedar is inferior to Spanish cedar in humidity absorption and it exudes a more intense aroma. Some humidor manufacturers use American cedar because it is less expensive and with this wood there is no danger of resin formation. Particularly when storing cigars for longer periods the cigars will adopt a strong woody flavor that is generally not desired.

http://www.cigaradvisor.com/general/...-cigar-humidor