"If a magnet can stick to 409 stainless, which it does, that means it's gonna rust, no?"
The magnet sticking means its gonna make a real good Fender Telecaster bridge plate that dont rust like the stock chrome plated carbon steel ones do--ours never have and ones been in use for ten years now. Ever seen a countertop rust? Theres a lot of them in restaurants and schools--no rust, no.
409 Stainless Steels contain a certain number of surface inclusions which are the normal result of titanium stabilization additions to improve the steel. Occasionally, rusting may occur at these inclusion sites and lead to problems with cosmetic appearance. As a result, these steels are not suggested for applications where surface appearance is a factor. In cases where surface appearance is important, 400 stainless steels should be considered
The temperature at which 409 starts to exhibit destructive scaling in air is approximately 1450°F (789°C). This is considered the general maximum service temperature for continuous exposure in air. However, maximum service temperatures will vary appreciably, depending on the atmospheres involved
Last edited by preacher-no choir; 08/18/1309:25 AM. Reason: other opinions