Heads Up!

Steve Minnich

First of all, I’ve really missed hanging out here with all the people who are asking for help with their heating, and those that are providing that help. This is truly a special place.

At some point this week, I’m going to start posting in the Buy, Sell, Barter category. I’m selling the vast majority of my hydronic books, boiler name plates, data plates, gauges, historic stuff that goes back to 1900, and other items that I felt the need to hold onto for a very long time.

Some stuff will be inexpensive with a fixed price. Other stuff will be expensive because of its age, incredible condition, its cool factor, or some combination thereof. And then there will be stuff in between. There may be things that nobody wants, but I think there will be a good of percentage items that everyone would like to own. The latter will be listed as a minimum price and then people can bid on it for X number of hours. I’ll have to discuss that further with Erin and let her make that call. Thank you, Erin!

I know the majority of you are on the other side of the country now that I’ve been away from Chicago for 3-4 years, but hopefully we could put our heads together to find a way to ship the heavier items. I have a radiator from 1865-ish that I don’t want ending up in some Las Vegas scrapyard.

I want these things going to people who are as enthusiastic about hydronic heating as I’ve been.
And, I need to do this relatively soon. Those that subscribe to PHC News may know that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 3 years ago after being symptomatic for at least a year or two prior. Then, I was sent to Cleveland Clinic by neurologist to be further evaluated. After 8-9 months of testing, the diagnosis changed to Multiple System Atrophy, a far more serious type of Parkinsonism. There’s nothing to stop its progression and its terminal. I’m about 6 years into this, I guess, and I’m on the clock.

That’s the reason I’m selling so much stuff. We are not hurting financially, but I don’t want to leave the burden of selling all my various collections of hydronic swag, sports memorabilia, vinyl albums, etc. to my wife, Barb. She’s OB/GYN and I’ve always done this and neither one us know much about each other’s professions. Or maybe, don’t want to? 😊

I’m in a really good place mentally and spiritually and I’m so grateful for that. I’ve got a wonderful wife and I’m, at least, tied with Dan for having the very best daughters in the world.

I hope you find something you like and if you do, I’ll do my best to get it to you as quickly as I can.

Thank you.

Steve Minnich

As a side note and unrelated to heating. If there are any hockey fans that are looking for memorabilia, message me.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Steve,

I spent 46 years collecting tools and books. Got rid of a lot (so I thought!!!) when I sold my house 4 1/2 years ago but still have way too much. Just gave away some books (but not the one you sent me).

All the best.

Ed

guzzinerd

I'm not too far in NM, will keep an eye on what you post...maybe an old rad or two.

pecmsg

Steve

Some of that stuff would look much nicer in a trade school so future generations can see it.

Steve Minnich

@pecmsg - I can’t disagree with that. You’re right, but I taught HVAC at a community college where the head of the department was stealing left and right. I called him on it, an argument ensued, and the next day I submitted my resignation.to the Dean with that information. That was over a decade ago. He’s still there!
And then there’s the fact that I’ve been on Disability for two years now and it bothers me to no end knowing that I’m not pulling my weight. I can tinker around in my woodworking shop but I work very slowly with shaking, and have tried to sell things I’ve made, but not a single sale yet.

Steve Minnich

Not too long ago, I donated over 10k worth of brand new parts to the trade school I went to. Things that they could their hands on, controls they could wire, pumps and valves they could pipe in.
The things I’m offering hang on a wall, if that.

Mad Dog_2

We had a great connection with the heating museum at Suffolk County Comminity College when Professor Eugene Ran it. I tried to donate some great stuff a few yrs ago and got a real runaround... Stopped trying. We donated some great stuff there.

Hopefully, the Vo-Tech or trade school directors near you will see their intrinsic value. Mad Dog

jesmed1

That's really nice woodworking. Not your fault you got a serious condition. I know it's not fun to not be able to do the things you used to. You gave a lot to your family. They are just happy they still have you around.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Yeah, I tried to donate some tools to my union hall and got a polite no thanks.

It's very unfortunate that things that we see as valuable sometimes don't have value to others. It actually bothers me a lot.

Sold a bunch of stuff when I sold my house 4 years ago (ended up giving some away)

And I still have too much I can't let go of.

Steve Minnich

I can relate to that, Ed.
I don’t mind being a hydronic geek.

Larry Weingarten

Hi @Steve Minnich , Have you tried talking with Victoria at the General Society? I know they are tight on space, but Mechanics Institute might be able to put some of your things to good use teaching... Also, that's some pretty woodwork! I'd love to buy a signed cutting board 😍

Yours, Larry

Steve Minnich

I have not reached out to the Society. They wouldn’t know me from Adam.
Thank you, Larry. I have a delivery of various hardwoods coming this week.

Intplm.

@Steve Minnich My man please do not feel that you are not pulling your weight. I have watched and read your stuff for years. You have done and do great work. You have pulled your weight more so than others can claim in a life time.

Oh and P.S.——-Go Whalers.