The two 4 1/2" pieces turned out perfectly.

I'm so pissed about the 8" diameter one.

This is not a "joining" procedure, it's just an overlay so there is no "joint" per se. The pre-machined diameter ends with a 1/4" radius so you don't need a lot of penetration to start the overlay. I am using a weld positioner so the speed is constant and the beads look good...

The coles notes version is: 316 parent metal 8" diameter solid x 6" long 2 separate sections to weld minimum 0.06" buildup required after finish machining Pre-machined 1/4 radius to ensure full penetration into corner filler metal is stellite 6 procedure will not allow for a pass of I...