my first humidor - thank you to Bill Wyko for the advice - many pics

[Lawrence Richards]

Thank you again to Bill Wyko for both showing me around his shop and for giving me some tips for making a humidor.

This was my first humidor, and it seems to be holding humidity nicely (I am seasoning it now)

I started by cutting box joints in some walnut
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200011024x768.jpg

I then cut the top out of a piece of mahogany, carved the symbol the customer wanted into the top and beveled the edges with a raised panel bit
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200031024x768.jpg

Next came a washcoat of 1# shellac to keep the stain from migrating and then a coat of gel stain on the carve
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200061024x768.jpg

After drying, I sanded off both the shellac and the gel to reveal the carving and then glued it up.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200171024x768.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200321024x768.jpg

I then used my tablesaw to 'almost cut the top off and finished the last 1/16 or so with a pull saw.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200411024x768.jpg

Smarthinges and a full mortise (viola brand) spanish made lock came next. I have to say that I've never had such an easy time installing a hinge and they look great! (though are pricy) I then sealed the inside with silicone sealant and a waterproof barrier. before adding a liner of 1/4 spanish cedar to the bottom and top.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200891024x768.jpg

Because the top and bottom are cut from the same piece and the hinges are installed by referencing off common faces, the fit is easy, and quite extraordinary (IMHO) as this video shows.
http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/?action=view&current=humidor.mp4

Finally came spanish cedar trays for the cigars and a rack for the humidifier (heartfelt beads). The carving on the top of the box as well as the holes in the tray were made with my carvewright.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11201111024x768.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11201081024x768.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11201051024x768.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11201021024x768.jpg

the finish is rude and crude (1# shellac buffed out then followed by a wet sand of oil followed by a home-made oil-poly mix (8 coats) then buffed with wax.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u313/ldr_klr/Carvewright/humidor/P11200971024x768.jpg


Thanks again to Bill for sharing a bit of his expertise, I owe you a cold beverage man.

Comments/critiques/further advice is very appreciated. It looks like I have another humidor commission in about 2 months and any and all tips or ways to improve things would be of great service.

V/r
Lawrence

[Bill Wyko]

WOW, you did an outstanding job!!! I can only give advice, you have to execute the job. This is all you my friend. Truly gorgeous in every way. Congratulations my friend. Glad I could help the little that I did.

[Gordon Eyre]

This is great and you made your mentor proud. Take a bow, you deserve it.

[rick bear]

I agree - nicely done!

- Rick

[Dave Beauchesne]

Lawrence - well done indeed !!

Dave Beauchesne

[Bill Wyko]

So when do we get to see the next one? Their like Dorito's, you can't make just one. You've done so well, it just wouldn't be right to stop now. They really are fun to make, arent they?