48 - How To Make a Cigar Humidor with Pacific Coast Tiger Maple

I offer a complete set of 3D Plans for this project here:
kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
I make many projects for KZbin viewers, and this is one. It was meant to be a gift, and the client needed to have a logo put on top.
We talked about some design ideas, and settled on Pacific Coast Tiger Maple with an East Indian Rosewood inlay of the company logo on the top.
I decided it would look best to build the piece with through dovetail joinery. This also gives added strength for a piece that needs to expand and contract internally because humidification is necessary in a dry climate.
I chose a raised panel style for the lid to give more character. And of course, the inside would be lined with Spanish Cedar. This is the best wood for this type of project for a couple of reasons. First, this species handles expansion and contraction very well with changes in moisture content. It actually moves very little. And second, the chemical compounds that smell so nice to us in the cedar are actually toxic for tobacco beetles. Occasionally cigar aficionados may get a cigar that has a tobacco beetle or an egg in it. If this occurs, it won’t have a chance to grow and spread inside the humidor, since the Spanish Cedar will kill them off.
For the inlay, I needed it to be cut very precisely on a CNC machine. Luckily I had a friend who could do it for me. He is a very skilled woodworker, and actually has a KZbin page of his own. You should check him out, his name is Brian Benham: / @benham_design
How to make the Extreme Table Saw Sled:
• 39 - Extreme Crosscut ...
How to Make Through Dovetail Joints:
• 37 - How to make Throu...
Brian Benham’s Channel:
/ @benham_design
BESTEST TOOL EVER:
Thor’s Hammer Woodworking Mallet: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Things i used in this project:
Tools:
Thor’s Hammer Woodworking Mallet: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
Grizzly Jointer - amzn.to/3j09TAk
BOSCH 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw - amzn.to/3j331SU
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Push Block Set - amzn.to/3DvgyJX
Grizzly Planer - amzn.to/3x2v20l
Microjig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig - amzn.to/3HwUJLc
Bosch Plunge Router & Fixed Base - amzn.to/3X0R3XS
CMT 8-Piece Dovetail & Straight Bit Set - lddy.no/1etmb
Wood Glue Dispenser - amzn.to/3D94pKz
Rockler Silicone Glue Kit - amzn.to/3HXbbWs
Bessey 24" Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3XOyl6u
Ridgid Handheld Belt Sander - amzn.to/3Js0UD1
Ridgid 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/3JefhdM
This is all the components of the router table. These are our links.
All Woodpeckers:
Router table top: amzn.to/40DNVEm
Router lift: amzn.to/3HyOEO9
Router table stand: amzn.to/3JzMfFM
Router table fence: amzn.to/3HVlxWG
Router motor: amzn.to/3X28PtI
On/off switch: amzn.to/3YpYMjl
1/4" Shank Rabbet Router Bit - amzn.to/3laZoLr
Grizzly 12" Disc Sander - amzn.to/3wsbjH4
Ogee Rail and Stile Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3HVSq5C
Table Saw Miter Gauge with Sled and Telescoping Fence amzn.to/41qTYwl
Soft Sanders Set - amzn.to/40v29aD
Freud Chamfer Bit Set - amzn.to/3l8VT8e
Materials:
36 Grit Resin Cloth Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belt - amzn.to/3kEKH2P
Titebond III Glue - amzn.to/3wvDDIh
Sandpaper Set 5-Inch - amzn.to/3Wygb7S
100 grit SandBlaster Ultra Flexible Sanding Sheets - amzn.to/3l7cWHM
150 grit SandBlaster Ultra Flexible Sanding Sheets - amzn.to/3HVVE9b
220 grit SandBlaster Ultra Flexible Sanding Sheets - amzn.to/3HvoBrj
320 grit SandBlaster Ultra Flexible Sanding Sheets - amzn.to/3jp4Ut1
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: / kingsfinewoodworkingco...
Help support us through Patreon: / kingsfinewoodworking
Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our King’s Fine Woodworking Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools. m.facebook.com/groups/134828903893994

[@gingerpox_makes8025]

I’m jealous. Every video I see has your daughters helping in one way or another. My 8 month old just sits in the corner chewing on a Thor hammer, not helping at all.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That's pretty normal Steve. My daughters didn't start helping until they were 9 months old.

[@RiaanOliver]

That mallet is a great teething ring 😂

[@davidmcnichols5624]

I think it is awesome that your daughter is right there with you and exhibiting much of the same safety and care that you do. That's pretty cool. Coodos to both of you!!

[@MAGAMAN]

Those Magswitch feather boards are awesome. Best invention EVER!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Wait a minute, I thought that your favorite tool was the Miter 5000. haha

[@surgea2011]

That is a beautiful piece of art, sir. Your daughters can probably teach me a lot. Respect.

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Dear James, It's wonderful to see young people being able to execute machining task flawlessly & with confidence. Clearly they could not have a better mentor & keep the tradition of their forebear alive throughout the course of their lives & hopefully pass on the mantle onto the next. Your legacy will live on for many a generation.That tiger maple is the wood of choice for fine guitars. Well done & kind regards.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much for the kind hearted reply. My daughters, my wife, and myself always look forward to your comments. ~James

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Dear James, Thank you very much for your courteous reply. I am sure what I said was richly deserved & one need to show appraisal of worthy endeavours. To do otherwise would be both unjust & unkind. Kind regards to all the family.

[@dalewilliamson1125]

Thank You James and Family for sharing. Beautiful Humidor!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Dale!!!

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Gorgeous stuff and it’s really nice to see you working with your family.

[@yfz450rider39]

That maple looks insane!!

[@HeathKnuckles_Tasty_Timber]

Beautiful work!! 😍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks man! I really like your stuff too!

[@clydedecker765]

James, you are the reason I keep coming back for more ... Amazing woodwork. The girls do a great job too. The woods you manage to get hold of are an inspiration to preservation and artistry. You have done it justice. Keep on trucking.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Clyde! That is very kind! Thank you so much!

[@AreBaloni]

Wow, beautiful work, James! And love that inlay!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Are, Thank you!

[@SCRAPWOODTOCRAFTWOOD]

Fantastic work as usual James thank you for showing us

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Warren! Thank you very much!

[@AbamAdy]

2 master of woodworker collabs turn out superb amazing

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@barryjefferies8931]

Nice job guys you make it look so effortless and it’s a symphony with all the hands working together.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Barry! Thank you very much! You put that very eloquently.

[@artiejc]

Great work as usual. Grateful to see you posting new videos. I see you are feeling ok about your daughters using the larger power equipment. Good for you and good for them.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! It's a process, we go through a quite a bit of safety and learning before they approach a new stationary tool.

[@richs5768]

Beautiful workmanship

[@audreyhackworth3843]

I love watching your videos. I have learned so much from you.

[@RiaanOliver]

Wowzers that’s beautiful, the inlay work is great. Awesome work as always by the King’s.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much! I still haven't had time to send you the photos for the logo. We just barely got caught up on past work.

[@RiaanOliver]

King's Fine Woodworking all good James, no rush. Whenever you guys are really just send me an email 🙂👍

[@silvergrizzly316]

WOW JAMES!!! What a beautiful piece of art!! You and your family seem to have that perfect click, y'all know exactly how to execute the next step in the process of your build. What PERFECTION!!! And kudos to Titebond !!! Can't wait for part 2. Take care and God Bless.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much! We are very lucky & happy to be working with Titebond! It's actually the only woodworking glue I've used in all 32 years I've been a woodworker, so that makes it twice as good. Part two will be out in a day or so. Thank you for watching! ~James

[@rodrigoreitz7699]

Sensational, congratulations on the beautiful work!

[@rogdotcom1]

wow, great video, very informative, awesome job, thank you !!

[@clyderockway6954]

Beatiful one, great work

[@DjmMik]

Great job! That is a beautiful piece of woodworking 👍🏻

[@Phil-cl5dl]

Wow...it’s going to be awesome. Wish I still smoked cigars. Looking forward to part 2. Well done team

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Phil, Thank you! I also used to, but I quit 4 years ago, haha.

[@Rhysss1991]

Your videos are so informative. I’ve learned so much from you, thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! That is very kind.

[@docdevin1]

Beautiful! Great job technique wise but also in letting the wood show its natural beauty too. Skill and eye both thanks for posting!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@tomrainwater8824]

Another beautiful box, you make it look to easy, keep up the good work, I learn something on each of your videos I watch, thanks for all the details and the time you take to explain your process.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tom! That is very kind! Thank you very much!

[@SalemWoodworks]

Love the engineer scale handles on that miter saw station.

[@Icedout4real]

This is AMAZING 🤩

[@FranksDIY]

Wow amazing finish on it. That is one piece of art

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Frank, Thank you. It's actually just a very simple sprayed on lacquer finish.

[@FranksDIY]

I realize that but the combination of the type of wood and how you put it together is amazing. Lol don't sell yourself short

[@sicboy83]

It’s a beauty

[@richardblais7445]

wow.what a nice job

[@walterterrell677]

Oh ill be back! Just beautiful, as always!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Nice James. I like the long format video with all the wonderful detail.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jim, thank you!!

[@Ozzyjunky]

Beautiful tiger maple. Looks like we have a Walking Dead fan wearing a Negan slugger shirt. Haha AWESOME!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@jerrystark6766]

Beautiful work!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@silvermediastudio]

Metal ring while working on machinery. Seems like a great idea.

[@ruizd14]

Another great video, James! I really like how you narrate and provide information about the project during the build. Oh, and I see Titebond finally came to their senses :-) Thanks!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Haha, thank you very much! Now I'm saving a ton on titebond! :-)

[@rwe2156]

Nice job. Perfect application for veneering. Save that beautiful wood!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@tofou9726]

Salut,encore une superbe réalisation,j'adore,merci pour la vidéo c'est toujours un régal pour les yeux.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Merci beaucoup. vous êtes gentil.

[@Colinmac1]

Great job looks fantastic

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Colin! Thank you!

[@YTkush]

great job man, i love your walkthroughs :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@markgrevatt4867]

Wow it turned out a beauty lovely work. And your videos are great quality.👍👍👍👍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Mark! Thank you very much!

[@m.a.6781]

Very nice I was waiting for you to do another video. Always look forward to another good video

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! That is very kind.

[@ricmarsh7877]

It looks like your Daughter's are taking over your shop. 😆 Nicely done King family! 👍👍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

They are! I have to spend too much time editing these days. :-)

[@samuelroberts334]

Beautiful

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Beautiful Work James! Great video I learned a few things aswell! 😁👍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks a lot Shaun!!

[@billysmether6237]

Thanks for video! That bottom panel is going to expand, bow, and crack because like you said, the sides are not going to move. I would rabbet and float the bottom panel. If you need a tight fit there for humidity reasons use a piece of plywood. If you want a species match, make a piece of veneer and glue to plywood. Just my opinion. Thanks again.

[@anything7441]

my fridge is down. so im checking out project videos @ 3am im also out of cigars. now thats what i call a nice box

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@NZErehwon]

An Excellent job by the King Family (James, Maya, Sai & Rupa on Camera)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Andrew! ~Sai

[@Thom4123]

Absolutely incredible job. I’m with you anybody who hasn’t checked out Brian’s channel very cool channel and incredible craftsmanship. Speaking of craftsmanship this humidor is coming out beautiful. Looking forward to seeing part 2.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

And Brian is a great guy too!

[@alladinandarilhobrazuca6357]

This is a translation from Google, because I do not know how to write in English! The art of you is very admirable and I am a spectator, who waits for the videos with anxiety. We congratulate you on the quality of the products you make and especially on the union of the family. I am from Sao Paulo, Brasil

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Obrigado, isso é muito gentil.

[@WoodWorkingbg]

beautiful box ! :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@Aprendiz-de-Marceneiro]

Excellent

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@AtlantaSoundGuy]

I got a good chuckle from the Negan Sluggers baseball shirt :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

haha

[@esixx17]

55 gallons - that's exectly the right amount of glue. Your old supplier may go out of business now. Can't wait to see all the awesome projects you will be making next.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Haha, thank you very much!

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 = there is nothing left to say! Everything perfect!

[@johnbarnette3916]

thank you James

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi John. Thank you!

[@africancichlids3011]

nice job as usual

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@bigscreenbird8198]

55 gals of glue? Holy moly! Hopefully that will last at least a couple weeks! 😂 yet another amazing example of great building and that tiger maple... so pretty! Great job yet again!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much! We are very happy and thankful that Titebond is hooking us up.

[@johncole9964]

Beautiful figure in that wood and a nice design. Great video as always. Having Titebond as your sponsor makes perfect sense, that 45 gallon drum should last a couple of weeks :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi John! Thank you! We are very happy to have titebond as a sponsor

[@woodninjaswoodturning3787]

James Love the work Always... And thank you for also putting Brians Link in your Subs.. great wood worker Also.. I just subscribed to his page... Thank you... Keep the Videos coming please

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Toby, Thank you!

[@lisacloe]

bonjour super bon boulot chouette

[@MAGAMAN]

The incra 5000 is one of the best tools I own. If it was ever destroyed or stolen, I would replace it in a heartbeat. It's way too valuable to be without.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Yep, it's a pretty good tool.

[@befmx31]

I can see why you got a 55 gallon barrel of glue! I always like it when I hear you say "and in case you were wondering, that is the correct amount of glue". Always gets a laugh out of me.

[@MrGtownjake]

Fifty. Five. Gallon. Drum......of glue. What water is to life, glue is to your shop LOL!!! Fantastic build sir!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sergioduartesigaomestre5122]

Muito bom, Very, Very good

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Obrigado!

[@rickybobby6605]

Obviously standing in front of a dovetail jig is the perfect way to make a ghillie suit.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Haha! That’s exactly right!!

[@sarkisarmenian5268]

That is a very nice piece you made there, professional work. I just had a question though, If you could please explain to me. I don't understand what makes the difference between a wooden box and a "cigar humidor". Is it just adding some Spanish Cedar panels on the inside that makes the difference?

[@auroradominguez9127]

Beautiful Humidor James, what thickness do you finish the maple too, I'm guessing the box is very heavy when finished!

[@johngunning2123]

Beautiful work! I love the inlay on the lid, it compliments the whole job off really well. I noticed during the assembly of the inlay that a brush was used to apply the wood glue. What do you wash the brush with after using it or do you sacrifice a new brush each time? PS. I've just bought my first table saw as a result of watching your videos and am just making my first Minisled.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

john gunning, I usually use silicon brushes. And the dried glue peels right off. Thanks!

[@tylersmith9868]

Yes the dovetails won't break from the bottom panel expanding but something will happen likely the bottom will flex / bow

[@JohnSmith-qc6bq]

How do you avoid rounding over the edges when sanding. I seem to always have that happen regardless of how careful I am, (or so I think). Maybe I need to start investing in hard wood.

[@johnfisher4910]

Another beautiful project and production, thanks! Out of curiosity, why do you use both the Incra 5000 and a crosscut sled? I recently purchased one and figured I could toss my crosscut sled to the curb.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi John, well, my crosscut sled is built to make any width Dado cuts too. You should check it out. Plus it’s easier to square & still safer on smaller parts than the Incra Miter 5000. If you have a quality sled, it really complements the Incra.

[@webcrawler3332]

Good thing you’re sponsored by Titebond and they sent you 50gal barrel.

[@dan__________________]

Check out the 4-way speed clamp that Lee Valley sells. Its a much quicker way to get a frame clamped up with out having to fiddle with it.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Good tip, thank you! If you want to post a link, I will leave it here for people to see.

[@alfredneumann4692]

Boooaaahhh only the first part..... can't wait for the next one. One day your daughter will take over your workshop. Isn't it? :-)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Alfred, yes, I think my daughters will do that. (If they want to of course). Second part is coming tomorrow.

[@failhard791]

is it worth doing / possible to do a pre-coat of glue on end grain so that it's less thirsty?

[@IronhdTony]

Hi. Could you tell me the exact size raised panel bit you used and what brand. Looks like a rocker bit. I’m making this box now. Thank you. Tony.

[@jfrog00]

what thickness are the boards are you using for the box?

[@MakeBrooklyn]

Awesome looking box so far James and the inlay looks great but you need to have a word with your friend. He glued that inlay in and he only used one bottle of glue?!?! He didn't even use the whole thing?! Looking forward to part 2!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hahaha! He didn’t! But then again, he probably wouldn’t have gotten such a perfect fit on the inlay. :-)

[@saiking9218]

nice

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You're just saying that because you helped build it.

[@saiking9218]

Maybe.

[@bigscreenbird8198]

I see what you did there! Btw the mallet y’all built and sent to me is freakin gorgeous! Glad to see y’all back on here with projects!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Awesome. So glad that you like it. We are happy to be caught up on projects and cranking out videos again.

[@jamarcigar]

Looks amazing! However, i would like to add something that would make it perfect. The lip of the interior Spanish cedar should be around all of the sides. It will ensure an airtight seal. As a cigar smoker, we want a beautiful humidor that also has excellent functionality. Without the airtight seal, the humidor is pointless. Only constructive criticism! Other than that, it looks impeccable.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

JamarCigar, perhaps it doesn’t show, but the lip of the Spanish Cedar does indeed go all the way around the top projecting into the lid. Thank you for watching & commenting.

[@jamarcigar]

Perfect! Ok it’s a perfect humidor! Yeah i couldn’t see that lip on the sides !

[@teddover7522]

Who makes the lid hinges? Thanks

[@priestly33]

Do you take custom orders? I would love to make a family heirloom humidor with our family crest, to pass down to my son someday.

[@barstad-9591]

🎉HURRAY🎉 Titebond sponsorship!!! Congratulations 🎈 55 gallons - well, that should last you a month or so. I love that tiger wood. Where’s your official photo bomber?!?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! We are very thankful to Titebond. And Sai has been in school.

[@jonathanhart7113]

Damn i need more tools.

[@viscache1]

NOW we’re getting on to the most important woodwork! Why do it if your cant set on the porch and have a well aged cigar and 50 year old single malt in the evening?

[@BushmasterM4A3]

Brand of rail and stile router bits?

[@MrSmokeeater69]

What’s the thickness of the wood ?

[@robcarter2695]

When are you going to start making more videos?

[@darrylb4048]

Nice wood shirt u hd on when dovetailing (8:43)

[@NASTYcraftX]

Your kids are very lucky. What age did they start learning?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

At about 10 years old.

[@cesaraugustogarciaobando1373]

¡EXCELENTE TRABAJO! -- Les sugiero poner subtítulos en español, o traductor de voz en español ------- Muchas gracias.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

No se como, pero gracias.

[@vince6056]

What's your cost to build that box

[@Pedro-xp4lr]

11:21 what glue is that??

[@TheFlyingKiwiNZ]

No wonder you use a ton of glue squeezing out everywhere.... a free 55gal drum of it!

[@cubebano1292]

She is way too cool. She has a Negan shirt.

[@bowyer10]

looking good! living in vancouver, british columbia, i have easy access to curly maple and actually found a sawyer with an abundance who sold me a whole bunch for 1.50 $ CANADIAN per boardfoot. it's awesome stuff although i wish i had helical head milling tools to process it

[@Hatchmade]

scott who's your supplier? I want some of that

[@bowyer10]

are you local?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Scott! I need some 8/4 and some 16/4 curly! A whole bunch! I wonder if your sawyer would give me a deal on a few hundred board feet of that. [e-mail]

[@bowyer10]

when i was out there, all i saw in his stack of maple were 6/4 and 4/4 boards, but i can ask him, sure. he gave me a good price because i drove out there and took it away. If he had to arrange to ship it, parcel it up, etc, i'm sure he wouldn't come near the low price he gave me. Also, it was the second time i bought wood from him, so we had something going already. BUT! I will ask him. 300 board feet?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Yes. 300, if I got the $1.50 a foot, I’d drive out and get 1000 feet