Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[Eros]

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?

[Emjaysmash]

Originally Posted by Eros

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?

I would spend less money and buy the clear silicon sealant they use for aquariums and plug the leak.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Eros

So after trying to slow season my humidor for the last three weeks, I have nothing to show for it. As soon as I take the shot glass out, the humidity plummets within days. I am assuming I have a leak, as it is a glass top humidor. I am getting impatient, and my cigars have been sitting in a tupperware box with a humi pillow thing for a couple of weeks now. Could I just place the cigars in the humi with the water filled shot glass to stabilize the humidity until I can afford a new humidor? Or would that be unwise?

Your cigars will be fine in the tupperware box -- especially since your humi is not holding a steady RH. If you place your cigars in the humidor now they will either get over humidified from the shot glass of water or, if you take the shot glass out then the cigars will dry out.

Fix your humidor and then put your cigars in it. Get get some aquarium grade for silicone sealant; seal around the glass and any other obvious areas (e.g., if there is a hole for a hygrometer, then seal around the hole).

Once you have resolved all of the leaks then your humidor will be able to do the job you need it to do. In the interim, the tupperware box is the best place for your cigars.

One thing you need to remember about this hobby: you need to be patient.

[Fredo456]

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

[Emjaysmash]

Originally Posted by Fredo456

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

I've only salt tested (calibrated) my once. Although half the time now I don't look at it. I've gotten used to looking and feeling the cigars to make sure they arent too dry or wet.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Fredo456

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

Sometimes things break, need new batteries, etc....I don't see where in the recommendation it implies that the need to recalibrate happens "often".

If your Rh was reading 65% steadily for a year, and suddenly was at 53%, it is wise to recalibrate your hygrometer to see if it is just "off", or if you do in fact have a much bigger problem with your humidor.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Fredo456

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

Like all things that run on batteries they wear out. Also, most digital hygrometers rely on the battery charge to maintain their calibration. As the batteries wear the calibration changes a little.

Also, it's not like it is a huge problem to check your hygrometer a few times a year.

[jluck]

Originally Posted by Fredo456

I keep reading about hygrometers having to be recalibrated. Some recommend to recalibrate after a sudden change in Rh.
Isn't the point of this tool to accurately indicate the rh of a given space? How accurate is it really, if one can't trust it and has to recalibrate it so often?

Thanks.

I think you hear about it much more than needed, due to it's the first thing recommended when there is RH problems in a humidor, When the problem usually ends up being a seasoning (inpatients/owner) or leak issue. but its how a good RH base line is established. And the best tool we have that I'm aware of.