Aithos' Wineador Thread

[Aithos]

Ok, since this is a new forum and I haven't posted an introduction yet I guess I'll start with a little about me for those of you who didn't run into me on Puff:

My name is Rory, I'm turning 35 next week and I started my cigar collection towards the end of June last year when I got my current job and ended 6 months of unemployment. I work as a senior level software developer working for a contractor supporting the Army. I was re-introduced to cigars by my GF's Dad and golfing buddies a couple years ago and gained a new appreciation for good cigars instead of just half-heartedly smoking part of a cheap cigar on New Years in the freezing cold. I love Golf, Disc Golf and enjoy sitting outside and puffing on a cigar while I'm reading so I can't wait for the warm weather to come back. I decided I wanted to get a humidor of my own and start a cigar collection because I'm interested in seeing how cigars age and I like the idea of having a variety of good smokes on hand and not having to run to the store anytime I'm thinking about smoking.

I originally bought a 100 count CubanCrafters humidor thinking that 50-60 cigars would be plenty since I only smoke at *most* 1-2 a week and quickly realized that it wasn't going to be enough space when it was basically full in a month. So I started looking at other options and came across the idea of a Wineador, which is attractive to me because of the size, space and temperature control. While I was researching Wineadors and drawers I needed more space so I could spend my Groupons and accommodate the cigars I was going to get as gifts over the holidays, so in the meantime I bought several Rubbermaid containers and a 4 pack of large 65% Boveda packs which did a great job of storing my growing collection.

Enough about me, what about the Wineador right? I have a lot of pictures so I'm going to put the information here and post all the pictures at the bottom.

About my Wineador:
- NewAir 281
- 4 drawers / 2 shelves (from John Nelson)
- Kitty litter humidification (ExquisiCat Crystals from Pet-Smart, odorless/low dust from)
- Isis project case to hold the kitty litter ($6 at Michael's)
- Calibur IV hygrometers
- Currently holding 168 cigars with room for at least double that

About my Drawers:
- Made by John Nelson
- 3 double, 1 extended face
- through dovetail front and back
- solid, floating bottom
- rabbeted top for inset glass
- finger notch in the rear to help remove glass
- notched center divider, tension fit movable dividers x2 for each drawer
- Bubinga hardwood fronts with semi-gloss finish

Just a word about John before I post the pictures - John was was of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I contacted him after Thanksgiving and got on his wait list for January, throughout the entire process anytime I emailed him he responded within 24 hours. He was a consummate professional, he accommodated all of my desires (which were very specific and non-standard) and his price was very fair for what I asked for. He went back and forth with me a lot hammering out details, he offered suggestions and explained anything I had questions on and he made good on his word. I did pay considerably more than a standard set of drawers for what I got, but the extra labor and effort that went into these drawers made it well worth the cost and his craftsmanship was top notch. I sold furniture for several years so I'm especially particular when it comes to anything made of wood and I can tell you now that these drawers are on par with some VERY expensive brands (Legacy, Kincaid, etc) when it comes to quality. I highly recommend that anyone thinking of getting drawers contact him, I can provide his contact info for anyone interested.

The pictures (pay no attention to the hygrometers, they were sitting on my desk while I was filling the drawers and so dropped a lot because the RH of the room is low):
--packaging




--construction




--full shot



--installed




--open



--double drawers

[Purepoker]

Very nice Rory! Something to be proud of!

[Upstatemax]

Looks awesome!

The more postings like this, the happier I am that I decided to order my set from John.

Should have mine in a few weeks!

[Aithos]

Looks awesome!

The more postings like this, the happier I am that I decided to order my set from John.

Should have mine in a few weeks!

I don't have anything against Forrest, I talked to him back in October when I first started considering a Wineador. He responded quickly to my email and was really nice, I've seen a lot of pictures of Forrest's work and he does good work. I just know that he also hires help and I didn't want to take the risk of getting a product that wasn't quite up to the same standard as Forrest's personal work by the luck of the draw. I also wanted specific options that aren't normally offered and I thought that with his backlog Forrest would be less enthusiastic about it than John was.

I was really impressed by how John treated me through the process, and if you guys knew me personally that's *incredibly* rare. I spent most of my adult working life in sales/management and I'm highly critical of how people treat me throughout a sales process. I'm a nice guy and I'm always respectful and fair in my expectations, but I was a very successful salesman and so I expect to be treated how I would have treated someone (I always went above and beyond what most people expected and was well known for it). John was awesome, I would gladly stake my reputation on him without any hesitation.

Edit: btw, that project planner thing is the PERFECT size for kitty litter in the bottom. It is about the only thing I could find that would fit under the drawer and it takes up the entire bottom to give the max amount of surface area and it's an inch deep. This Wineador recovers incredibly fast and has been ROCK SOLID since before the drawers, after the drawers and after they were filled. I'm super happy with this setup, all I need now is a sweet vinyl graphic for the door but I'm not sure what I want yet...

[Mulley]

Beautiful setup! What made you go with the glass top on the drawers? Are you able to get cigars out without taking the whole drawer out?

[Upstatemax]

I don't have anything against Forrest, I talked to him back in October when I first started considering a Wineador. He responded quickly to my email and was really nice, I've seen a lot of pictures of Forrest's work and he does good work. I just know that he also hires help and I didn't want to take the risk of getting a product that wasn't quite up to the same standard as Forrest's personal work by the luck of the draw. I also wanted specific options that aren't normally offered and I thought that with his backlog Forrest would be less enthusiastic about it than John was.

I was really impressed by how John treated me through the process, and if you guys knew me personally that's *incredibly* rare. I spent most of my adult working life in sales/management and I'm highly critical of how people treat me throughout a sales process. I'm a nice guy and I'm always respectful and fair in my expectations, but I was a very successful salesman and so I expect to be treated how I would have treated someone (I always went above and beyond what most people expected and was well known for it). John was awesome, I would gladly stake my reputation on him without any hesitation.

Edit: btw, that project planner thing is the PERFECT size for kitty litter in the bottom. It is about the only thing I could find that would fit under the drawer and it takes up the entire bottom to give the max amount of surface area and it's an inch deep. This Wineador recovers incredibly fast and has been ROCK SOLID since before the drawers, after the drawers and after they were filled. I'm super happy with this setup, all I need now is a sweet vinyl graphic for the door but I'm not sure what I want yet...

I also have nothing personal against Forrest.

I just really liked what I saw from John and I liked his policies better. You know pretty much exactly when you will get your stuff, consistent and detailed updates. I really like his policy of not taking your $$ till he starts YOUR project.

I'll also agree that his communication is quick, professional and he is very helpful.

[Aithos]

Beautiful setup! What made you go with the glass top on the drawers? Are you able to get cigars out without taking the whole drawer out?

I wanted to be able to maintain different humidity levels if I chose, I like that it will keep the fan from blowing air directly on the cigars and I think it just plain looks nice. I don't smoke very frequently (1-2 a week max) and so I decided on appearance over function. I can get cigars out without taking out the drawers but it's easier if I just pull the drawer out, however, I can always just remove the glass from the drawer I use most frequently if I feel it's annoying.

[Mulley]

I wanted to be able to maintain different humidity levels if I chose, I like that it will keep the fan from blowing air directly on the cigars and I think it just plain looks nice. I don't smoke very frequently (1-2 a week max) and so I decided on appearance over function. I can get cigars out without taking out the drawers but it's easier if I just pull the drawer out, however, I can always just remove the glass from the drawer I use most frequently if I feel it's annoying.

Nice! Ive never heard of being able to achieve different rH in one unit. Pretty cool! I like the reasoning and it looks great too.

[projectsunfire]

Nice! Ive never heard of being able to achieve different rH in one unit. Pretty cool! I like the reasoning and it looks great too.

actually that is one of my favorite things about a wineador, at least in my personal experience. My target RH is always 65%, which I get from the middle to top. but on the bottom it stays around 61% which I find perfect for CC's.

[Kookla]

Love it!!! He is working on mine as we speak I'm a Team John all the way!!!!!!!!!!