Shop Visit - Martin Brothers Humidors

[Ed Sallee]

I've been sort of lacking lately with my postings on the Creek. Other things have kept me from working on much of anything as of late.

I did, however, have the pleasure of meeting Ross Martin of Martin Brothers Humidors. I must say, Ross and his brother Jerry have one heck of a shop going....

I don't think I can post a link, but if anybody has any interest, and I encourage that you do take a look at some of their stuff at their dot com which is simply martinbrothershumidors.

I thought I would share the visit with you.

I met Ross through a Cigar forum, and Ross did not know about the Creek, so hopefully, I can encourage him to join in....

I was expecting to visit a woodshop of somebody that was making humidors, what I saw was a whole different story. The Martin Brothers have one heck of a cabinet shop going as well.

Take a look.... I'm going to forward the link to this thread to Ross, and hopefully we can have another professional to help with the many facets of our site.

Here's a picture of Ross next to some signage that he's worked on....

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09538.jpg

More Signage

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09537.jpg

Some boxes laying around waiting to be completed..... they're sitting on top of the CNC machine...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09555.jpg

Finishing Rooms...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09535.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09539.jpg

[Ed Sallee]

Plywood cutting area...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09544.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09545.jpg

Raised panel cutting machine...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09547.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09542.jpg

[Ed Sallee]

6 head molding cutter...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09551.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09554.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09550.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Martin%20Brothers/DSC09543.jpg

[Ed Sallee]

I was only there visiting for about an hour.... I'm sure there's a lot of stuff that I didn't get with my camera....

At any rate.... it was a good day to visit their shop and again, I encourage you to check out their web site and see what they've done for humidors...

Not to mention all of the other stuff they have on their plate (you know, the stuff that pays the bills).....

Thanks for looking....

I'm sure Ross will be popping in and would be interested in any and all comments....

Martin Brothers Humidors are located in Buford, Georgia.... right around the corner from me.... go figure!

[John Keeton]

Ed, one thing is for sure - I have a really bad case of shop envy right about now!! I know these guys do this professionally, but they have a nice setup. Wonder if they would just let a feller come over on the weekend to play???

I googled them and found the website - neat site, and some fantastic loooking humidors. Some neat artwork with the inlays and design work - no wonder you had a good visit with them.

I recall some of the beautiful humidors you have posted - put you in a shop with that kind of setup and you would be in hog heaven!:D No tellin' what the ol' Georgia boy could turn out.

Thanks for posting the pics - neat place! Hope Ross jumps in the creek with us. He would be a great addition, I am sure.

[John Thompson]

They have a very nice set-up indeed Ed so thanks for sharing. That is what I call a working shop and not a show shop. The saw-dust.. works in progress and general un-tidiness made me feel right at home and yearn to be there lending a helping hand when one was needed. From what I saw they appear to be in total control though so... I'll just drag up a chair and watch.. ;)

Good stuff.. my man.. good stuff!

Regards..

[Harold Burrell]

Wow!

I feel unworthy to even look at the pictures of his shop.

:eek:

[Larry Fox]

WOW - quite a shop. Thanks for posting Ed. I covet their spray / finishing room, I would love to have a dedicated spray area.

BTW: definitely have missed your posts lately, always interesting to see posts on your boxes.

[Ed Sallee]

Thanks for lookin' folks... The Martin Brothers do, indeed, have quite the shop with eclectic capabilities. Everything from box making, cabinet making, sign making and even catapult making.

I wasn't sure what to expect yesterday, Their shop is clearly the biggest, most well equipped shop that I have ever seen. Hopefully Ross or Jerry will join the Creek and won't mind talking about it. I have seen tools that I would never ever consider putting in my little 16x22 shop......let alone worry about where all the sawdust is going to go.

I can't wait to see the humidor that Ross was telling me he was working on (in his home shop)... He designed it for a Florida Gator fan. The lid will be inlaid with the gator logo and he said that he was going to CNC in to the spanish cedar liner, the stadium that they play in. This ought to be interesting, i can't wait to see it!!!

Shop visits are fun! Aren't they Sarge.....John.... :rolleyes:

[John Keeton]

Shop visits are fun! Aren't they Sarge.....John.... :rolleyes:That they are, Ed!! We certainly enjoyed your visit to KY - hope to get down GA way someday soon and see Sarge, and some of his fine hybrid A&C work, and your fantastic box and humidor work!

[David Perata]

What exactly constitutes a humidor? In other words, what are the requirements in making one that allows it to keep the cigars fresh? Is it a special wood? Are there any plans for one?

[Ed Sallee]

I'm no expert, but....from what I understand, basically, it's all about keeping the humidity at 70%.... spanish cedar acts as a controlling factor to absorb what it needs from the water source.

The percentage of humidity would be different with other woods.... spanish cedar & the humidity it "likes" is consistent with what keeps cigars fresh.... Cigars can be as much as $20 a piece.... some folks just like to collect them...

You need to have a tightly sealed lining on the inside.... and the rest just happens. If you have gaps where the lid closes, or anywhere else in your spanish cedar lining, your humidity will escape.

Some species of mahogany can also be used. But, spanish cedar and it's aromatic features, not to mention availability, makes itself the "go to" wood for humidors.

As far as plans go.... pretty much any box could be converted to a humidor..... Just adjust some measurements and make sure the cigars are gonna fit...

[John Keeton]

I'm no expert...Ed, "expert" is one of those terms that is difficult to define, but a quick search back for a pic of a humidor I recall you posted would seem to refute your claim of "non-expertise" -

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn88/evsallee/Project%2013-V/DSC09289.jpg

Looks like pretty darn good work for an former Yankee turned Georgia boy, that claims to "be no expert!":D:D;)