How to Make A DIY Humidor

A DIY humidor is a homemade box that keeps your cigars fresh. You can buy one from the store, but it might be costly, so why not make one yourself if you have some woodworking skills? For your convenience, we’ve provided a simple, step-by-step guide complete with pictures and illustrations. This guide is effortless to follow, even for beginner woodworkers.

The design features sturdy wood and has space for numerous cigars, a humidifier, and a hygrometer to keep your beloved cigars in perfect condition. So, whether you’re making this DIY woodworking project for yourself or a cigar-loving friend, the following procedure will surely be a breeze.

DIY Dovetail Humidor

Materials:

Red Oak Lumber
Cedar Lumber
Wood Glue
Sawdust
Polyurethane
Oil Finish
Hardware

Tools:

Table Saw
Jointer and Planer
Router
Drill and Forstner Bit
Chisel
Clamps
Sandpaper
Router Jig
Marking and Measuring Tools (Ruler, Square, Pencil)
Safety Equipment (Eye Protection, Hearing Protection, Dust Mask)

Select and Prepare the Red Oak

Choose high-quality, air-dried red oak. Cut the pieces, taking into account the specific dimensions for a dovetail box. Ensure a thickness of around 1/2 inch, width of approximately 10 inches, and length of roughly 15 inches. Then, make each piece square and smooth using a jointer and planner.

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Constructing the Top and Bottom Panels:

Glue together the pieces that will form the top and bottom panels (10″ x 15″) of your box. Ensure they adhere well to guarantee integrity and durability.

Cutting the Side Pieces:

Cut the side pieces of the box to match the desired depth of the humidor. You will need two pieces at 1/2″ x 15″ and two pieces at 1/2″ x 10″.

Marking for the Dovetail Cuts:

Align and mark the corners that will connect via the dovetail cuts. Determine the alignment of the piece in the jig to get the perfect fit.

Making the Dovetail Cuts:

Using the appropriate measurements as your guide, make the cuts for the dovetail. Begin with the dovetail bit, then switch to the straight bit to make the corresponding cuts.

Dry Fit and Measuring Interior Dimensions

Position the curved top and bottom panels and side pieces without adhesive. Clamp them together and take precise interior measurements. Next, use those measurements to cut the top and bottom panels.

Finishing the Top and Bottom Panels

Having cut the panels, create a tongue on every edge by setting your table saw to a 1/4 inch. Clean up the tongue with a chisel. Add a chamfer to the top panel to fit the 1/4-inch tongue.

Grooves and Assembly:

Cut grooves towards the tops and bottoms of every side piece. Avoid cutting all the way through to preserve the dovetail joints. After this step, glue all the pieces together and tidy up the dovetail overhang with a chisel.

Trimming the Extras:

Now, using the bit, trim the extras.

Creating the Lid:

Cut the upper part of the box about 1.5 inches from the top to create a lid of approximately 1/2 inch thickness. Clean the cut with a chisel and fix any cracks in the joints.

Creating the Lid:

Cut the upper part of the box about 1.5 inches from the top to create a lid of approximately 1/2 inch thickness. Clean the cut with a chisel and fix any cracks in the joints.

Installing the Hinges and Finishing:

Mark the placement of your hinges accurately, carve out the recesses and dry-fit the hardware. After everything is aligned correctly, install the hardware. Fill any imperfections with a mix of sawdust and wood glue, then sand everything down. Apply oil finish and let it cure.

Preparing Cedar Inserts

Prepare the cedar inserts, about slightly thinner than the box walls (~3/8 inch), and cut them to fit the interior faces of the box against the measurements taken earlier. Apply oil to them to assist in managing moisture.

Final Installation and Finishing:

Apply polyurethane to the red oak box as a protective measure. Glue the cedar pieces into place, taking into account the snug fit. Cut recesses for the magnet anchors and install the hardware. Lastly, install the handle, ensuring to cut an accurate 3/8 inch mortise, and secure the handle in place using super glue.