The video “The Black Diamond Humidor (Made by HAND)” is by Blake Weber from The Weber Woodshop. In this project, Blake combines his woodworking skills with a passion for creating a stunning humidor that showcases a unique geometric design.
Crafting the Perfect Humidor
Blake begins his journey by acquiring jet black ebony and Spanish cedar, two woods that not only look beautiful together but also serve the functional purpose of maintaining humidity levels. He aims to create a bold geometric texture that flows seamlessly across the lid and body of the humidor.
Creating a Continuous Pattern
To keep the contents fresh, the lid of the humidor requires an overlap. Blake cleverly laminates the ebony and Spanish cedar to ensure that the patterned texture transitions smoothly from the main box to the lid. He notes, “that’s how you keep things fresh,” emphasizing the importance of this detail.
Building the Router Jig
Without access to a CNC machine, Blake improvises by using a handheld router and a custom router jig made from scrap wood. This jig features a sliding tray that holds the workpiece while providing zero clearance support for the router bit, preventing any tear-out during the process.
Crafting the Diamond Texture
The texture Blake creates consists of overlapping grooves at 30-degree angles, forming a beautiful diamond shape. After completing the grooves in one direction, he flips the jig to achieve the desired pattern in the opposite direction.
Assembling the Box
With the diamond texture complete, Blake begins assembling the box. He carefully cuts the miters, ensuring that the diamond pattern aligns perfectly. To add strength to the joints, he introduces splines that reinforce the miter joints, enhancing the overall durability of the box.
Adding the Finishing Touches
As Blake progresses, he uses self-adhesive mahogany veneer for the bottom of the box, which complements the Spanish cedar beautifully. After assembling the box, he takes meticulous measurements and employs a Glowforge laser cutter to create internal splines that not only reinforce the joints but also prevent bowing in the lid.
Creating the Removable Tray
The next step involves building a removable tray. Blake cuts Spanish cedar planks into thin veneer, laminating them to form a custom plywood. The vacuum press ensures even pressure during the lamination process, highlighting his attention to detail.
Incorporating the Hygrometer and Humidifiers
Blake then adds a hygrometer and humidifiers to the design. The hygrometer measures humidity inside the humidor, while the humidifiers maintain optimal moisture levels by adding distilled water to an internal sponge.
Installing the Hinges
After cutting a piece of tinted tempered glass for the top, Blake faces a challenge with the hinge installation. He learns that he needs to make a relief cut to allow the hinge to function properly, showcasing the trial-and-error aspect of woodworking.
Final Touches and Polish
To finish the project, Blake creates a custom sanding block that fits the inverted shape of the diamond grooves, allowing him to sand the surface effectively. He opts for a hand polish with wax for the dense ebony, giving it a rich, natural finish.
A Passion for Woodworking
Blake’s dedication to his craft is evident in every step of this project. He balances his time between woodworking, family life, and his career as a firefighter, showcasing his passion for creativity and craftsmanship.
By the end of the video, viewers are not only treated to a beautifully crafted humidor but also inspired by Blake’s journey and commitment to the art of woodworking. For those interested in supporting his work, Blake invites viewers to join him on Patreon or explore merchandise available on his website.