Thread by @KeithMukai

Been collecting random easy-to-source metal plates to try to work out a super low budget, under-the-radar version of the awesome @SeedSigner SeedQR plates that @SeedMint21 has been testing.

My improvised versions obv won't be as nice nor as durable, though.

These credit card-sized bottle openers (wha..., why?) make the best impression of the bunch. Thicker and studier than they look. Shiny, smooth, w/nice rounded edges.

No indication of what grade of stainless steel. Assume meh.

But only $1.25 each!

amazon.com/gp/product/B08…

Also testing a new QR template using dot targets instead of the inner grid, as suggested by @SeedMint21.

I think the dot targets are a bit better; there's less visual clutter. The overall scale on these plates is pretty small, but it's all easier on my eyes than I expected.

I printed the QR template and just taped it to the plate. For being ridiculously low budget, it actually looks & feels pretty nice! If the paper holds up, I'd store it & use it as-is.

But I'll also punch the registration squares and test if it scans w/out the paper.

(usual disclaimer: NEVER take photos of your SeedQR! This is the same already-doxxed seed that I use for testing)

This electrical junction box cover is really intriguing. It's 4"x4" (coaster size); size feels just about right. The metal is plenty thick & rigid. Smooth & shiny but w/some harsh edges.

Hard to beat the price! Huge bonus: Should be easy to find at any hardware store.

I'm sure it's a cheap grade of metal, but all in-wall electrical housings are "two-hour" fire rated (holds up that long in contrived test conditions).

It's thick and tough enough to need three hits with the automatic center punch.

(pic shows 1, 2, & 3 total strikes)

The cover is all we'd need, but the jbox itself suggests some interesting options.

Storage, obv. But also you could install it like a normal jbox and have your SeedQR stamped on the under side, hiding in not-quite-plain-sight.