First Coolador Setup

[Mattb82]

I've read a few threads. Just a question on the seal. I got a 150 court Coleman extrem . Seems like the sides seal really tight and the front is decent with a little looseness. If I put a piece of paper half in on the sides it's tough to get out. On the front I can slide it out fairly easily if I pull on it. 

Any concern here or is a little breathing a good thing? 

[stogieluver]

I wouldn't be concerned about that so much as the seal being good enough to maintain a steady low 60's rH (or whatever level you prefer).  Some here might say they vacuum seal the cigars they are aging long term, but otherwise, air exchange, as long as it doesn't alter a steady rH is not a problem.  Just my opinion.  I'm no expert.  This is more Piggy's area of expertise. 

Have you searched for this subject in the Humidor Tutorial forum?

[PigFish]

It all depends on your ambient mate...

I prefer little air exchange but I hold the bar higher than most. As long as you can keep up with the air exchange and maintain the conditions you favor, there is no issue.

My suggestion is to try first, even set up a mock up, where no cigars are present. The only way to tell is to try. I typically only comment on known failure when someone gives me enough data to suggest that failure is eminent. There is little gambling with ice chests verses wine coolers. Take some time to try before you assume that you have problems.

Lastly, people that give advice (like me) will often find the weakest link in your system and often talk about it. Don't be swayed by infinite detail until you determine that the details are causing you a specific problem. Don't go looking for problems that don't or won't likely exist.

Jump in and try out your system... Passive systems work well for many people and unless you are outside the box, it should work pretty well for you too!

Best of luck on your project. -Piggy

[Mattb82]

Thanks guys. I would equate the seal to that of a decent humidor. It does whoosh when I close it. I'm airing it out today and setting up tomorrow. I've read countless threads at this point. Ambient temperature will be fine. It's in between the basementand main level at a consistent 65-68 degrees. RH will be interesting to see what the ambient is but im guessing high 50s. Ill measure the rooms stats today. Im a boveda fan so I have 10 large packs ready to go in. I'm sure I'll get it dialed in was just curious on the seal, I can't imagine it's any different than everyonever else successfully using one. Probably overkill but I got a xikar humI fan and Spanish cedar boveda pack mounts. I gothink excited and ordered 10 boxes of cigars so I have a week to get it dialed in. Thanks again for the feedback 

Edited September 10, 2016 by Mattb82

[Pedgy]

Great sounding set up. I started mine just over 2 weeks ago and don't regret it. 

Its about 3/4 full and I'm running HF beads (65%) and have a few boveda packs that just won't get dry lol. 

Want to get a fan but looked everywhere in my area for those OUST fans ( which I'm starting to think don't exist anymore) and no cigar shop in my area has the Xikar fan and no idea when they are getting them if they are. So once a week or so I just open and close it a few times to circulate air but I would prefer not to do that. 

Work with what I have. Currently have the cooler in my basement tucked in the corner of a built in closet for Christmas decor and baby stuff that I built when I was renovating the basement. Wife is happy because it's tucked away and not a big furniture piece.  And I'm happy cause she doesn't give me a hard time on this hobby we love.  

Coolidor sitting perfectly at 65 degrees F - 64% H

[Mattb82]

I couldn't find the oust fan either. Ordered the xikar fan on amazon and was delivered the next day. 

[topdiesel]

Congrats on your first coolidor.  They are awesome, but fill up way quicker than you would think possible (especially with the 24:24).  If you do fill the first and need more storage, you might consider large tupperdors.  Especially if you have a significant other.  They don't seem to be as bothersome in the closet or wherever you have them if it is  shared space and they stack better.

I bought some oust fans, but you are correct they were discontinued some years ago.  I didn't really see the benefit of the fans so now i have a couple oust fans somewhere.  Fans aren't really all that necessary in such a small space.  I have a few coolidors and tupperdors (came to the conclusion that I need to number them for inventory purposes).  They work great with large boveda packs and the bovedas don't require recharging very often.  Perhaps every month or three.

I keep intending to buy an aristocrat, but spend my fun money on cigars instead.  Some day, until then the coolidors/tupperdors are awesome.

[Mattb82]

@topdiesel does the seal on your cooladors sound similar? Very tight on the sides but slightly loose on the front? It does have the flanged edges I guess they would be called so I think it's fairly good. 

[topdiesel]

I have the same cooler.  Green one picked up at walmart.  I am out smoking right now, but will check on the front and side seals with paper.  I have never noticed a poor seal.  If you have a slightly poor seal on one side you might try a trick I read about one time.  Someone used tape on the edge that was a little loose.  I think it was like painters tape, but cannot be sure.  If the seal is off by more than that or if you just want to be certain you might consider swapping it out for one that seals unless you have altered it.  I will check to see if I can pull a piece of paper through the sides or front in an hour or two and post again.  

[topdiesel]

OK, so i did the paper test.  Yes, my cooler seals better on the sides than the front according to the paper test (but it seals great in real life for cigars).  I live in a very dry climate and four large 65% Bovedas last months before requiring a recharge.  My sensors show the humidity is maintained between 64-65% (usually 64%).  It is way more effective than wood desktop humidors.  wood is more porous than plastic.  I am sure piggy is cringing, but it works for me.

One thing to keep an eye on.  There is a drain plug on the side.  Make sure it is closed.  Mine popped open once due to pulling out other items that were next to the cooler.  Fortunately I had sensors and noticed a slight drop in humidity within a day.  Now, any time I go into it or mess with anything around it I check to make sure it is still closed.  I don't want to glue it since I may use it as a cooler some day.

[Mattb82]

I appreciate the help 

[JZBdano]

Coolidors with bovedas are a worry free set up if ambient temps are in the safe range.  I don't even put a hygrometer in mine anymore because it never moved (yes it works and is calibrated). 5  65%bovedas in a 120qt last for months and months before recharge is needed.  I keep mine as full as possible and use it for long term storage so I am only in them about once or twice a month at most.  

[amaxp81]

is there a good "go to" beginner's guide for these setups? Out of space and desperately need to make one of these pronto..

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[topdiesel]

Collidors/tupperdors are super easy.

Buy cooler/tupperware.  

Wash with mild dish soap and water.  

dry and leave open to dry completely.

Buy a 12 pack of large Boveda packs. 65% is my preference, but others prefer less or more humidification.  

Keep 4 or 5 of the boveda packs in the cooler/large tupperware.  When they start to dry out or after a couple/few months swap with new ones and put the old ones in a sealed tupperware with a shot glass or bowl of water to recharge.  

fill with cigars and repeat as necessary.

I like these for tupperwares:

https://www.amazon.com/Quart-Ziploc-WeatherShield-Storage-Pack/dp/B00MWTJXHS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473615630&sr=8-3&keywords=ziploc+weathertight