Instructions - MicroSeed

Safety

Use caution when stamping
- Protect your eyes and avoid striking yourself unintentionally

Verify all words are correct and that you can recreate the order!
- It is CRITICAL to verify you can access the wallet BEFORE you destroy the paper copy.

Store the back up somewhere safe.
- Don’t forget where that is!
- Weigh risks and consider making multiple backups.
- Weigh risks and consider diverse geographic storage locations.
- Weigh risks and consider obfuscation strategies.
  - e.g., silicone or plastic embedment, 3D printed enclosures, disguising as other objects, etc.
Test access and wallet restores regularly.
- Don’t be complacent!

Select a firm surface (e.g., concrete floor)
Place the alignment grid over a titanium Based plate
Align the first punch to the left-most side of the first slot (text on the punch should be facing you)
Hold the punch firmly and deliver a sharp strike with the hammer
- Be careful when striking!
- Wear gloves to protect your fingers
- You can deliver a second or third strike to create a deeper impression, but be careful to ensure alignment stays consistent between strikes
Visually align the punch to the desired next character space
- Alignment can be a little tricky, take your time
Repeat until the word is correctly engraved
Move to the next available slot

Ensure strikes are delivered straight down (as much as possible)
One firm strike is usually enough to get a satisfactory impression
- Multiple strikes are possible, but require care
The alignment grid is for convenience, but you can freely hand-stamp or use other methods (e.g., laser engraving, chemical etching, free-hand engraving, etc.)
Numbering each word is recommended (numbers are included in the punch set – 6 & 9 are interchangeable (turn the 6 upside down for a 9)

Base unit
Alignment spindle with two square holes
1 1/4″ (32mm) fender washer
M6 screw with captured lock washer
Metal punches (letters and numbers)
Hammer (your own or supplied with the kit)
- If using your own, a lightweight hammer is recommended (285-340 gr / 10-12 oz).

Place a washer into the base unit center cut-out.
Tighten the gold screw firmly to compress the lock washer.
- Be sure to hold the washer in place when tightening to keep the washer centered in the cut-out.
Insert the alignment spindle into the base unit (do not force it).
Insert a metal punch into one of the square holes in the alignment spindle.
- Use the hole with the long groove for inner alignment or the short groove for outer alignment.
- Ensure the letter on the punch faces you for correct orientation.
- The numbers “6” and “9” are the same, simply turn “6” to face away from you for “9”.

Optional: Use the small set screw on the jig as a starting reference point for consistency.
Position the punch in the chosen hole (inner line or outer line).
Use one single firm tap to stamp the letters.
- Please avoid very hard strikes, as they may damage the unit.
- Light finger pressure on one side of the punch can help maintain consistent spacing.
- Practice on steel washers first before stamping on titanium.
Remove the punch, click the spindle to the next position, insert the next punch with the letter facing you, and repeat.
- The spindle allows up to 60 characters total per line (120 characters per side).
- Some characters, especially on the inner line, may become “crowded” or overlap slightly.
You can flip the washer over to stamp an additional 120 characters (up to 240 characters total).

Use light, firm taps for best results, it’s not like driving a nail!
Remember to advance the dial between stamps.
Mark letters off on your paper copy as you go.
If you lose your place, look down the punch alignment hole and ensure the groove on top aligns with a blank space.

The process for MicroSeed Advanced is similar to Pro
Each letter requires two “clicks” to achieve appropriate spacing (three “clicks” for a space)
Engrave up to 120 characters (60 per side)

Use firm taps to engrave, some letters MAY require an additional tap
- Test on stainless washers first to get a “feel” for it
Be sure to number each word in sequence
- You can experiment with other ways of ordering (e.g., letter substitutions, mnemonics, etc.)
- Regardless of method, it is critical to ensure you can replicate the word order

The vault will hold up to 30 standard washers
Please note: There is a mild galvanic reaction between stainless steel and titanium
- If you choose to store titanium washers in the MicroSeed Vault, ensure a barrier is present
- Barrier media requirements are modest and can be as simple as a piece of paper
Consider utilizing security seals to ensure tamper resistance (readily available on Amazon or similar)
If considering burial, or if you live in coastal environments, ensure regular checks for integrity