A high nickel alloy containing Cr-Mo-W gives a slag-free austenitic deposit offering exceptionally good resistance to wear caused by thermal shocks, by high mechanical pressures, as well as by high temperature abrasion and corrosion. The work-hardening deposit is easily machinable and resists oxidation up to service temperatures of 1200°C, and thermal shocks and severe thermal cycling up to 950°C. The deposit is particularly resistant to strong oxidising agents, such as nitric acid. Also provides protection against free chlorine, aqueous solutions of chlorine and hypochlorites, acidic iron- and copper-salt solutions, hydrochloric acids at ambient temperatures, hydrofluoric acids, phosphoric acids, organic acids (acetic, formic, etc.) and mixtures of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride. Also used for joining dissimilar base metals, including nickel alloys. With care, it can be used for joining low- and high alloy steels.