Methods and apparatus for welding work pieces having dissimilar compositions

An apparatus comprising:

• a first work piece having a first content of chromium by percentage of weight or mass;
• a second work piece having a second content of chromium;
• a base welded between the first work piece and the second work piece to couple the first work piece to the second work piece, the base having a same content of chromium as the first work piece, the base having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;
• a first weld layer deposited on the first end of the base between the first end of the base and the first work piece;
• a second weld layer deposited on the second end of the base, the second weld layer having a third content of chromium higher than the first content and lower than the second content;
• and
• a third weld layer deposited between the second weld layer and the second work piece, the third weld layer having a fourth content of chromium higher than the third content and lower than the second content.