Are there any combinations of stainless that can be (forge)welded together that could be etched to bring out a pattern?
If so what types of SS would I be needing?
ALSO:
How fast does the natural oxide layer build up on stainless?
I've done some SS to carbon steel forge welding... I've even done it with an oxy/acetelyne torch and a couple of firebricks(nothing big this way)...
I normally grind then sand my steels to a good clean surface... sometimes near mirror. I always leave my SS until last.. I don't know if it helps but i figure the less time it has to form an oxide layer the better.
I worry that if I spend time prepareing many pieces of SS that an oxide layer might build up on the first pieces, almost undoing some of my prep..
Should I worry? What can I do if it might be a problem?