Spanish Cedar Humidor: A Fine Woodworking Project // How to

This is a humidor made from Spanish cedar with a wenge inlay in the corners that I made for a friend. The construction is basically a box within a box. This allows the inside of the box to maintain a relative humidity of around 70% while inside a room with a much lower humidity without warping and splitting.
You can find more details in the full article on my website: www.ycmt2.com/humidor
Inspired by the plans and detailed article available at: www.finewoodworking.com/FWNPD...
Tools I used (affiliate links):
Table Saw: amzn.to/2uRGfSZ
Miter Saw: amzn.to/2gYFKAq
Oscillating Spindle Sander: amzn.to/2gYdii7
Drill / Driver: Makita 18v: amzn.to/2gY8edT
Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2uRycFo
Blades (affiliate links):
Ripping Blade: amzn.to/2urKBza
Crosscut Blade: amzn.to/2urzrdA
Plywood Blade: amzn.to/2uRGsW1
Bandsaw Blades: amzn.to/2uRmnit
Website: ycmt2.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=4990417
Facebook: / youcanmakethistoo
Instagram: / youcanmakethistoo
Twitter: / youcanmakethis2 @YouCanMakeThis2
Google+: plus.google.com/u/1/108926818...

[@johnmartin9090]

The joy of giving a gift is greater than any woodworking skill. Great job

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Truth!

[@jaridpurvis5186]

Thanks for the video. I am making this for my business partner's retirement and this video along with the plans are just what I needed. Thanks so much and amazing job!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

That’s great to hear! I’m sure it’ll come out great and he’ll love it.

[@djcline640]

This level trick just made my day!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad it helped!

[@nafeyhammoud3569]

Beautiful! I know ppl don’t smoke as much as they did, but I think well made, humidors are such a cool looking piece of decor. I bought one for my husband, and now I’m going to try to make another one. Awesome video, thx.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! That’s awesome. They can be really beautiful pieces.

[@calleeharris4182]

Beautiful! Thanks for keeping the shavings...Spanish cedar smells amazing.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! It really does.

[@martincarrasco4991]

Your friend is a lucky guy to have been gifted such a wonderfully crafted humidor. If you’re ever interested in building another for sale, I’d be interested. Thanks.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Haha thanks! Enough folks have said this that next tome I build one I think I’ll auction it.

[@sabondage]

Awesome build! I'm trying to get into woodworking and hoping to build my own humi soon. This definitely gives me motivation

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+S.D. Houston I'm glad, best of luck to you! Thanks.

[@gorillakong8948]

Wow. This person must be a really great friend. That looks amazing. I kind of like that one better than the one I bought.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! He sure is, and that’s a high compliment.

[@Thom4123]

Awesome job and your overview of your video was great. Oh yeah the box, AWESOME the box came out great.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Thom spillane thanks! I really appreciate it. Only recently started the voice overs. Planning on a new mic soon so expect much better audio quality before long!

[@franklindavit]

Amazing detail video .i was looking to find a video of how to bulid a humidor .And I love your video

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.

[@DongLabUTHSCSA]

Great job man, really nicely conceived and executed!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks man!!

[@jbat3535]

As a heads up, you NEVER want to spray paint, lacquer or any sort of finish on the spanish cedar on the inside of a humidor for 2 reasons. 1. The spanish cedar will be humidified from 60-72% depending on the preference of the enthusiast, so you do not need to worry about warp or damage. 2. Having spanish cedar that is raw is crucial to the humidor. It helps with aging, adds flavor, and most importantly holds humidity to help stabilize and maintain the humidors RH levels. If you spray lacquer or any paint you now have removed all the properties of the spanish cedar, meaning there is no point of using spanish cedar, and for the enthusiast they would be better off using a tupperwear container for the lack of paint that can transmit flavors to their cigars. Beautiful box. Don't paint the cedar, and its perfect!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I goofed on that part of the video and many other folks think I did the same thing. I only lacquer the shell. The interior liner “box in a box” is completely raw

[@craftedworkshop]

Great project! Very reminiscent of Marc's humidor build, this is on my list as an occasional cigar smoker.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Crafted Workshop thanks! I just saw his video on rubbing out high gloss finishes, it sure is similar. Here I thought I was only copying Fine Woodworking, haha. I guess Wenge corner inlays are a common humidor feature.

[@CrosbysCorner]

An excellent breakdown of this humidor. For your first one I will say that your skills are as sharp as the humidor you made. It is very nice, brother. I've been thinking about taking the task of building one myself. I happened upon this video in my search for "how to build a humidor". I thank you for sharing this with us. Nicely done, pal.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it. Definitely give it a shot, you’ll never regret trying.

[@TakamiWoodshop]

Great job on this. I came here from your "How to not need to have a jointer" video, but I recall watching this a few months ago too. Refurbishing an old humidor I have is on my todo list so this is a great reference - thanks man.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Glad this might help you some.

[@sgsax]

Great-looking box. Wenge edge is a really nice touch.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Seth Galitzer thanks! Can't say it was my idea, but fortunately I had some on hand.

[@CC_farm]

Thanks for the video. I just started building a humidor last night and had no clue about using Spanish Cedar as the inner liner. I would have completely messed up had I not found your project. Great job!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Well great! I’m glad it was helpful for you :). Thanks!

[@stephenbreazeale8179]

Oddly enough, Spanish Cedar is not a true cedar, it is more closely related to Mahogany.

[@marcocattani3503]

Beautiful box, love the way the walnut looks with the cedar

[@michelboisseau7922]

Its Wenge not walnut!

[@codybell8744]

Absolutely beautiful humidor. Well done sir.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@calebd985]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us. Great video ta boot! Good job

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks so much! And great name.

[@Scoebby]

For it being the first humidor build…brother you did great…now just ready for some nice & beautiful sticks…Bless the future for you😎✝️

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks 👍

[@lightinside]

Awesome video..!!! What I admired was how you put together this very high quality humidor with tool set that was not quite as you would perhaps had wished. Hats off to you…🧢

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! That's the truth, fortunately a few years later I have a shop I couldn't of dreamed of when I made that humidor.

[@MrAnguloA]

Man, that's beautiful. I'm gonna try it!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks, and do it! That's great!

[@n2339l]

Beautiful work!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you!

[@dannyramos5485]

Beautifully done

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Danny Ramos thanks for watching!

[@rhsandne71]

Would love to see an updated video with all of your content growth these last couple years! Great work!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Great idea!

[@talkingbusinessatlanta7537]

now this is real skill!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Talking Business Atlanta thank you!

[@dia35]

Beautiful work.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you!

[@ADadAndHisKids]

Loved the build and video, thanks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariecanada9912]

Hi, I am impressed about your work

[@Timthornton1]

Thanks for the level tip, never seen it before, but will use it.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Good deal!

[@thenakedcarpenter2502]

Nice build man. Very thorough. Cheers!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+The Naked Carpenter thank you!

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

really nice! that is some very detailed, precise work!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Vintage Wood Workshop thanks! I learned a lot doing it. It's funny how trying new things stuff seems to come out both better and worse than we hoped, haha.

[@CigarSevenOne]

Beautiful & simple!!!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@billydropski5559]

That trick with the level will help me a lot. Thanks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

You got it!

[@zyphryx9]

Beautiful job.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@DeathDealer2025]

Looks awesome.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@user-wz4jc7ng2s]

Very nice video. Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Glad you liked it!

[@carldavis6902]

It’s beautiful

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@jlgresidentialconstruction8488]

Great video!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

Great video. Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@lincolnbroke]

Hey mate, nice work. Your makita rocks !

[@Relaxingmusicrealm]

Yup this is dope

[@paulsingh9043]

I wish I had these skills!, I would have lost 3 fingers!!... great vid!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yikes, I hope not! And thanks!

[@DolittleMorgan65]

Great job

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@joeyalexzander4496]

good job man id buy one from you and as your first one it looks cool

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+joey alexzander thanks man!

[@scottlucidi6476]

way cool. great job.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jacomoncal]

Very good video and amazing looking humidor! What were the thicknesses of the outside box walls? If you mentioned in the video I must have missed it. I’m looking at trying this for my dad and idk if I need to get 1/2” or 3/4”.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I resewed 3/4" down to 1/4" or 3/8' I think. Pretty sure the links in the description has detailed plans.

[@nvrmindthebollocks]

Loved the video! ... and the music!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+nvrmindthebollocks thanks!

[@calcmandan]

Fantastic. I'll take two.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@Danielferdinandyman]

The ultimate love statement man to man was just shown here... :-)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

😁😁😁

[@ST-ku5ni]

The level trick? (I am still learning) It is 1:08am but my neighbors may get to hear my table saw. Thank you algorithm for this video. Beautiful Humidor!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If you don’t have a jointer or track saw, tape a level (or anything rigid and straight) to one side of your board and run that against your table saw fence and boom, you’ve got one straight edge.

[@ST-ku5ni]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Love this. Thank you :)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Happy to help!

[@dustyhush]

very cool box i like it a lot

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+pieter dautzenberg thank you!

[@austenwilliamson6115]

I would cut the box using the table saw and the gate. I have found that using the bandsaw to split boxes causes more variances because of the flex in the blade. Definitely less of an issue the thicker the bandsaw blade.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I considered that but I wanted to minimize the size of the kerf and the bandsaw blade is significantly thinner than my table saw blades. Because the blade is mostly cutting air, drift and deflection weren't really an issue.

[@mikeb5157]

Your a pretty awesome friend to make this for someone

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

YOu're too kind

[@stevenminix]

Thats a good lookin box buddy.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks man!

[@patrickcronin3865]

I’m building a couple of humidors for Christmas gifts(never attempted before). I was going to make the outer box out of 3/4 inch wenge or zebra wood, maybe both, with a 1/4 inch Spanish cedar inlay. My current factory bought humidor is only 1/2 inch thick of just Spanish cedar. Is 3/4 inch plus the inlay going to be too robust for a desktop humidor?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I wouldn’t go with 3/4 just because it won’t have the right proportions. Also, even with the inner liner there’s still a moisture disparity between the inside and outside environment. Spanish cedar handles it the best so I’d recommend it. I would build it all with Spanish cedar and veneer what you want the show wood to be. It’ll be more stable and probably less expensive.

[@nismo613]

nice job!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@nocultist7050]

Ok... I was thinking about making my own humidor but after watching this video i can't escape it anymore. I must do that.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Haha, fantastic! Do it!

[@LifeofBliss]

Very nice! Wanting to make a humidor sometime in the future... And I spy another Victory owner 😉

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Enjoy the build! And oh yeah, I miss that bike.

[@LifeofBliss]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo ha, I hear ya. I had 2 for a while. Barely ride the one I still have after kids... have a good one man, new sub 👍

[@steveng6269]

Thank you for posting this. I am making one as a gift for a family member. I am all the way to the hinges and want to know if the hinge is flush with the back of the box or is it protruding out at all? Thanks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Mine were flush with the back. Depends on your specific hinge though

[@adamquincey4371]

Excellent...! Cheers...

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Adam Quincey thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@danielhiggins225]

good job

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@JustinMac4192]

This is great! Since it's a box in a box, could you do the outside box with dove tails? Or would that throw the humidity off?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Justin McLain absolutely. The outer box could be built anyway you want. Liters, dovetails, finger joints, butt joints. The idea behind the inlay and rabbet method I used is its quick to machine but doesn't show any end grain. Thanks!

[@johnyounce4540]

Fantastic build 👍🏻the only thing you might consider, would be sinking the meter a little further into the top. Fantastic box though

[@Strykenine]

This is an awesome project. I have been looking to build a humidor for a while. My only question regarding your build here is that you mentioned that you don't have a dado stack so you were using your rip blade, which I have done in the past... But, wouldn't a router serve the same purpose for making a rabbit or a groove? Thanks!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! And yeah, you could totally use a router.

[@davidshaw7549]

More than one way to skin a cigar smoking cat.

[@baazzaachunck5302]

Great video. How did you get the hygrometer to sit in tight and seal up

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It's just a friction fit

[@Giggiyygoo]

Beautiful man. Makes me want to get back into woodworking after a few decades off. Plus as a cigar lover, I could always use more storage. Only thing that bugs me about most humidors is that they almost all have analog hygrometers on display on the outside. They look elegant, but they're pretty unreliable.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Nice! Inspiring others is one of my main goals, so thanks! And good enough, I’m not a cigar guy myself, didn’t know the analog hydrometers were unreliable.

[@SeanFoushee]

Great job! Did you bevel the edges of the inner box sides?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Sean Foushee thanks! I did. I had a short clip of beveling the top so the lid opens easy. They weren't mitered together, it was just a friction fit. But I did bevel the corners that went against the inside corners of the box.. hope that makes sense. The reason was I could get all the glue squeeze out, so the bevel helped everything still sit flat.

[@blunt785]

outstanding, can i purchase one from you?

[@donovancampbell7785]

Nice!😊

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@StavrosGakos]

Nice!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@jonathanstlawrence1132]

What sized hole did you drill vs the size of hygrometer. I want to install one externally and not really sure where to start.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I don't remember, I just measured the base of it.

[@deerangaperera2697]

Wow. nice humidor. What is the thickness of cedar wood used for inner lining?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It was about 3/16” thick

[@darrellcollard6828]

Great job on the humidor. I noticed that you chose to use hand tools for the hinges, have you considered a router template for these type of hinges? Loved the Wenge trim!! From one woodworker to another - keep up the videos!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If I did more I might use this router, this was before I had any trim routers I think

[@tyronepelfrey8192]

The only change I would make is the address you sent it to to mine. 🤣 great job🤓

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Haha 🤣 this is the only “only thing I’d do different..” comment that doesn’t make me groan

[@ZERO_42069]

Hey it’s me, your friend, let me send you my new address so you can send me another one lol, nice job man, looks good

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Lol thanks!

[@MrXo]

😂😂😂😂

[@glentharp716]

Hey, sorry for the late comment but I am looking into making a humidor and had a couple questions. You had mentioned that it was a box inside of a box. Of course I would make the inside of Spanish cedar but was wandering if I could use another type of wood for the outside? If so what type of wood would you recommend?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I’d recommend sticking with Spanish cedar. I’ve read sapelle is good to. If you want a different look then veneer it. Hope that helps!

[@stoopsyo]

gutsy holes at the end there bro!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Vintage Smoker haha right?! Made me nervous.

[@jordanhoffman335]

Great looking box! Quick question, as I’m just starting my research into humidors… Why use plywood for the top and bottom? I see a lot of these are made out of completely veneered plywood, but I personally can’t stand plywood. Was wondering if there is a practical purpose or if it’s just cheaper to be able to make

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It’s more dimensionally stable. Especially with the difference in humidity on each side

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

Came out really nice Did you put the cedar on the inside or outside? I didn’t catch that part

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It’s all cedar except the outside bottom which is plywood

[@tommcnally2803]

What kind of FTG Blade did you use and did it work well? I've been trying to avoid buying an expensive one online and finding one in one of the big box stores but the blades never say specifically the grind on them in store.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Thomas McNally I have a Freud industrial 24tooth rip blade.

[@ClimptonDiddlehopper]

I have had very good results using this same blade in my table saw. So much so I bought a 12 inch for my compound miter saw. Also a note is I haven't had any of the paint from the blade transfer to my projects either like some other manufacturers. It's not a super expensive blade either. It's about upper middle on cost so I never tried the more expensive blades since it was so much nicer. Now if they'd make a similar quality bandsaw blade...lol

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Billy Beane haha right? I have 3 Freud industrial blades and I love them all. Want one for my miter saw too but just haven’t taken the plunge yet.

[@tungtran4201]

How do I build an adjustable standing desk?

[@user-ym4zn8um2s]

How did you drill for the hydrometer so that it took the internal temp?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

The sensor is on the back, so made sure it could poke through to get the humidity level

[@andreicharpentierquesada4530]

Hello, interestingcproject simply and beauty. pal i have two question. 1- Why did not you did the bottom and the upper part full of cedar instead use plywood? 2- why humidor are made of cedar? i think that is only a wood box, but i guess that im unknowing some importa fact, because i dont think that is a coincidence that every body make them in cedar thanks for video, i learned some tricks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Plywood has to do with wood movement. The plywood doesn’t move so it simplified construction. Spanish cedar is the most common pick for humidity because of how it handles moisture. You need a humidor to stay 70% humidity inside all the time. The difference between the inside and outside humidity would warp most woods, but Spanish cedar handles it much better.

[@jonaspetrie1146]

Awesome video! A couple questions: 1. Can you build a functioning humidor out of just raw cedar (without the outer box)? 2. How much material did you use? 3. How much time did it take and what, would you say is the level of difficulty? Great build!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

1. I don't think it would last near as long or as well. The double box is key for humidity management. 2. Just a few board feet 3. Could be done in a weekend or two, just depends on the shop and how detailed you wanna be with it

[@josephbrown6207]

You can build it out cedar alone. I found one built out of 1" thick cedar planks. The smell is amazing. Probably about 60 years old.

[@humbertorubio7176]

Hello, I have a humidor box for my cigars and I bought it from Salvation Army really cheap, inside it’s perfect but out side has some scratches and I would like to refurbish it, can u tell me how ???

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If it's solid wood you can sand the finish off and re-finish it. If the scratches aren't very bad, there's a good chance you can polish them off with wax. Get some paste wax and go to town.

[@humbertorubio7176]

YouCanMakeThisToo “thank you for your time to answer me, actually aren’t deep scratches it’s just the clear on top the problem!!!

[@SG-hb5ez]

Combien couterais une boite de ce genre ? Est-il possible de vous en commander une avec des dimensions personnalisées ?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Only English, sorry

[@misguidedpanda3209]

Wonderful looking box! I love the walnut rims, but never spray the inside of a humidor with lacquer. The Spanish Ceder needs to be able to move since there will be a high humidity in the box.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! I didn’t cover this well in the video, but I took the liner out before I sprayed the inside, the liner was never sprayed at all.

[@misguidedpanda3209]

Oh, that makes more sense. Haha. Well anyways, fantastic job. Gives me some ideas for what I want to do with my next one. Thanks!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Haha. No worries, a lot of people have thought the same... I missed showing removing it. Have fun with your next one!

[@markman63]

Very nice, how much did you spend on the inside and outside box for the cedar?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+markman63 I think it was $30-40 for the wood.

[@dkroen17]

Very nice! Where did you get the humidity gauge?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Amazon

[@Jaswinderinsan]

Hola,senor,me gusta mucho su trabajo en Madera quiero trabajar con usted , conseguire El trabajo?

[@ravnwood]

Another benefit of Spanish Cedar is that it doesn't have any strong odors or aroma and thus will not impart any foreign smells or tastes into your cigars. (You wouldn't want your cigars smelling and tasting like pine for example.)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I didn’t know that, good point!

[@rsr3245]

That was fucking awesome!!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@camburgio2608]

What song is this

[@michaelsemenchuk3056]

If you know someone with a laser engraver, or can buy some time on one at a local MakerSpace a nice laser etched design would give it some extra interest or add some personal touches (Family Crest, Initials, special date, etc). Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful the way it is. You could also make pistol gift boxes for people who are into gifting personalized guns. This won't require the "box within a box".

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Very true. I actually get got a laser engraved! So I’ll be doing a lot of customizing f.

[@clandestine7385]

Great job with this spanish cedar... singed by a spaniard!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Haha thanks!

[@bigsassyster]

How long did it take? 5 hours?

[@zaddari4304]

Not bad at all. And cigars are doing well in box?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

+Z Zaddari thanks. They're doing great. Off camera I put a humidification pack in it and it keeps it at constant 70%

[@schperik92]

Why did you "cut the box open" on the bandsaw and not the tablesaw? Not criticising, just curious since I'm very new to woodworking

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

When the top is on the box I want the grain to be as seamless as possible.. to look like a single piece of wood. The kerf (amount of material removed by the thickness of the blade) on my table saw is about 3x what my bandsaw has. TLDR: the blade is thinner.

[@bbird2137]

Wouldn’t using a coat of sealer on the inside negate the impact of using the traditional cedar wood to make it?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yep, it was just on the inside of the outer box... not the inner box.