Building a Coolidor

[bwhyte]

I have decided that my 75 count humi is too small! I thought about purchasing a new one and decided that I was going to make a coolidor instead. As of now I am not worried about looks plus I still have small current humi that I can leave out in our apartment, the coolidor will stay in my room.
I have decided to go with a 48qt igloo cooler. I just got it last night and have sinced washed it, trying to get rid of the plastic smell. This morning, after being left out all night with Damprid in it, the smell seems to be gone. i left it open while I am at work today.
I am going to buy some wire shelving so i can make 2 shelfs. Now for storing my cigars on the shelf, what do you recommend? I was thinking about buying some empty cigar box for the appropriate size of the cigar and using them? I also thought about cedar trays, but my budget at this point doesn't allow me to do that. Maybe after Christmas but not anytime soon!!! Now I don't techncally have to ine my cooler with spanish cedar, the boxes should be alright? Are all cigar boxes spanish cedar or should I be looking for something in particular?
Could I use Tupperware to store my cigars? I am thinking my best bet would be empty cigar boxes. What does everyone recommend.
I will also be using 65% beads to humidify.
My last concern is I can't seem to find an Oust fan that I can use to circulate the air. What does everyone else use instead of the Oust? Once I solve that problem, I should be all set.
I'll be sure to post pictures when I am done in case anyone wants to see.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[twenty5]

Cigar boxes will be fine as long as they are cedar. I might have a couple extras along with some extra cedar trays I can help you out with, I won't know for sure until early next week. You don't really need an oust fan if you are going into it regularly. Just keep the beads in 2 bags on either side (or top and bottom) of the cooler.

 

[rick12string]

Check out my posts here. It's not an oust fan even though the link says oust. If your looking to go inexpensive but effective this may be the way to go. It works great for me. Check out all my posts, one has a picture.
Hope this helps.

\http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=26517&highlight=oust+fans&page=2

 

[twenty5]

Here's a pic of the fan setup. Nothing special, just a 12vdc cpu fan, 12vdc wall adapter and timer. I cut the connector off the fan and added one (which I already had) to match the plug on the wall adapter. You could just splice the wires together instead. Just make a bracket to mount the fan on to fit your needs and you’re good to go.
Hope this helps.

{thread-jack}

Rick,
I was thinking about doing something similar with CPU fans but wasn't sure how to do it. I was thinking about getting 3 or 4 small CPU fans and wiring them to a fan controller similar to this: Controller My question is, how do I go from that rectangular connector on the back to a 12v adapter? I like the idea of being able to turn the fans up or down. Also, is there a more permanent solution to your timer idea? I would like something inside the wine cooler that will tell it when to cycle on and off.

{end thread-jack (for now :razz}

 

[MP.]

I think that you might not have gotten a big enough cooler! LOL

Seriously though, you'll do fine with empty cigar boxes for your singles. I started with one empty box and then moved up to four of Ron's cedar trays gradually.

I have about a pound of 65% beads split into 3 stockings and no oust fan. I'm in it every day or two, so the air gets circulated fine enough for my liking.

Enjoy your storage and get to filling 'er up!

 

[giantstogie]

you can buy the ceder trays from Ron at Cigar Soloutions. you can use 5 trays in a 48 quart. in a 50qt you can fit 10 trays. . I use a 50qt for storing most of my singles and a 150 qt for my boxes.

 

[bwhyte]

Thanks for the replys.
I thought about a computer fan and running it on a timer, my question is should i just drill a small hole big enough to fit the wire through and then make sure i plug the hole up air tight?
I plan on putting a bag of beads on the top and bottom. I thnk the top one will be the dry and bottom won't.

 

[rick12string]

{thread-jack}

Rick,
I was thinking about doing something similar with CPU fans but wasn't sure how to do it. I was thinking about getting 3 or 4 small CPU fans and wiring them to a fan controller similar to this: Controller My question is, how do I go from that rectangular connector on the back to a 12v adapter? I like the idea of being able to turn the fans up or down. Also, is there a more permanent solution to your timer idea? I would like something inside the wine cooler that will tell it when to cycle on and off.

{end thread-jack (for now :razz}

The rectangular connector is not a problem. You can actually just cut and splice, add more wire if needed or whatever. I cut the connector off the wires on my fan and had a connector that fit the power pack. I just soldered the new connector onto the fan leads. You could also just cut the connectors off both and solder or use wire nuts to connect both. It’s pretty simple. You can connect multiple fans if you wish. Just make sure you pay attention to the voltage and mA ratings on the fans and power pack. The timer works fine for me in a cooler. I think I have it on for 10 min and off for 1 hour. I've had it running like that since my original post with no issues. There are many options checking out electronic stores like you did. This was just one very cheap and effective option. I guess it’s a matter of how much you want to spend and what works for you.
Check out Ron’s site, he has a version of this that should work well.
http://stores.cigarsolutions.com/-strse-Fan-Timers/Categories.bok
Rick

 

[PLUSH]

I have a 120qt and the only circulation I have is an Oasis. I have 2, 1lb of beads as well. Mine is full of boxes and it works fine. Right now it is at 64-65/65-66.

 

[rick12string]

Thanks for the replys.
I thought about a computer fan and running it on a timer, my question is should i just drill a small hole big enough to fit the wire through and then make sure i plug the hole up air tight?
I plan on putting a bag of beads on the top and bottom. I thnk the top one will be the dry and bottom won't.

You can do that but I have the wires just giong in under the lid from the back and they don't show (unless you plan on having the cooler stand on end which is were I think you're going with this). The cooler seals well but has not caused any damage to the wires. If they ever do show any signs of wear I'll just replace them.
Drilling a hole and sealing it will work fine.

 

[twenty5]

Thanks Rick

Thanks for the replys.
I thought about a computer fan and running it on a timer, my question is should i just drill a small hole big enough to fit the wire through and then make sure i plug the hole up air tight?
I plan on putting a bag of beads on the top and bottom. I thnk the top one will be the dry and bottom won't.

Top dry, bottom wet will never work with them. You could put them in like that but it is just a matter of time until the equal themselves out.. Just put them both in at 50% clear 50% white or close to it. Beads are more forgiving than people think

 

[bwhyte]

50/50 it is. Top and bottom.
for the fan, will drilling a small how to fit the wire through ok? I realize I would have to plug the hole up after the wire is in to make air tight. I assuming drilling a hole won't compromise the integrity of the seal.

 

[twenty5]

As long as you seal it up good enough it should be fine. I really don't think you need a fan for a 48qt cooler. You would be better off just using an oust (I am sure someone can help you with this) or nothing at all(as long as you go in it ever couple days or so..)

 

[RonC]

dont bother with a fan and timer unless you find out that you really need it.

 

[bwhyte]

Gotcha! I will be in it every day or at least every other day. I figured opening and closing it would be good enough.
Thanks guys for the help!!

 

[dpricenator]

for an economical cedar lining that adds a personal touch. I took the tops, bottoms and some side panels form several cool looking cigar boxes and puzzle pieced them for a liner. I used adhesive backe velcro to attach them. I did the same thing on my shelve in the wine-a-dor. I attached panels to my wire shelves. It is my understanding that having cedar boxes for storage is enough cedar to help regulate the RH. If you end up using tupperware, you will need to line it with some cedar.

 

[kmckinn3]

Sounds good man. I am currently making a coolidor as well. I was going to start another thread but figured I'd just post here

I have a 60 qt. cooler, half pound of 65% beads, a cedar tray, and a couple boxes. I'm ISO of more cedar boxes so if any brothers have some they're willing to give up I'll be more than happy to pay shipping! I'll probably be in and out of it around once a day. Think I'll need an oust fan?

 

[CWS]

60 quart will fill in a month. 180 quart now that's what I am talking about...no two...no three. Go bigger you wont regret it

 

[kmckinn3]

60 quart will fill in a month. 180 quart now that's what I am talking about...no two...no three. Go bigger you wont regret it

You're right.... I'm thinking of returning this guy and going bigger. It is practically full with my current stash. There are a lot of singles in baggies though because I don't have many boxes and only got 1 cedar tray.

 

[theribdoctor]

I'm considering this as well as a wine-a-dor...Target has a 12 bottle, emerson for 75 bux! and 130 for a 16 bottle...

this one shoot, if I had the money...2 12 bottle fridges...