How to fix the broken corners on an antique chest humidor?

Question

I received an old chest-type humidor from a friend a month ago, and I think I fouled it up and I would like to fix it.  It's a chest-type humidor, about 10" x 8" x 8".  The outside is hardwood, and the inside has a metal box lining in the bottom, and a large piece of chalk/calcium carbonate in the lid.  When I first got it, I wet the chalk quite a bit, and I'm afraid that's what's messed it up.  A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the corners on the lid were beginning to split a little bit at the seams, and the lid would not stay completely closed.  I put some books on top to keep it closed.  When I looked at it today, the corner seams have split apart on nearly all four lid corners, the lid now has a 1/2" gap instead of staying closed when I don't have books piled on top of it.  I think I may have caused the wood to warp because the chalk was too wet.  Any way to fix this, or have I junked the whole thing?

stretch · Accepted Answer

Skelebone,

Yes, the water leaked through to the wood and caused it to swell.  When the wood pores filled with the water, the swelling caused the glue to fail in the corners.  Not to pour salt in the wound, but piling books on top furthered the damage by preventing the wood from even expansion.
Anyway, let the box sit until it has completely dried out.  The wood should shrink down from its present size.  Once you have allowed it to complete dry out, (maybe a month or better), re-glue the corners and apply steady but even pressure by using wood clamps.  Clamp the entire box at one time.  In other words, do not do one side and let the glue dry and then do the other.  Put glue on all four corners and then  apply all clamps - loosely at first.  Start tightening the clamps all around a little bit at a time, so that you wind up with even pressure on all four corners.  Continue to tighten until all four corners are pulled back in together, neatly and tightly.  DO NOT over tighten, just enough to completely close the gaps and squeeze a bit of glue out of the seams.  With a damp cloth, wipe the excess wet glue off the edges while the glue is still wet.  DO NOT use a wet cloth nor apply to much water.  You simply want to wipe off the glue and a damp rag will remove any trace of the glue.  Once it has dried, remove the clamps and then do some research to find out how to use this antique humidor.  Nowadays, most cigar humidors have a moisture pad that is attached to the inside lid.  Try using that so that you only add water to the pad and it won't come in contact with the wood lid.

good luck

Robin C · Answer

Ya, you did a number on it.

Anything else you do will further damage the antique.  With any antique, take it to a professional for repairs.  Anything you do yourself will most likely damage, or if nothing else depreciate the value.  A professional may be able to save the humidor.

? · Answer

1

Anonymous · Answer

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How to fix the broken corners on an antique chest humidor?

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