things are much cheaper in florida. i'm still torn on weather to drive up there. those GCIII tables and their CHEAP anodized aluminum castings all need to be refinished. i just got finished doing this job and it was a huge PITA. i'll probably pass.... if anyone is in florida and interested. the tables are on Tampa Craigslist.
Aluminum is not cheap at all, its actually quite expensive. The rail trims are the only aluminum trim parts. Everything else is cheap pot metal alloy of some sort. If you look closely, you will notice that the rail trims are anodized and the castings are a plating of sorts. From what I have learned is that you cannot anodize pot metal or most other metals.
I have a company that powdercoats all the trim parts, they are like new and better than they were. No maintenance, super durable and seems like the best choice for a busy home table or pool room table. Does not easily scratch or chip and tons of options color/ finish wise. You could also chrome everything, but, I tend to lean towards the whole "chrome don't get ya home" type of mentality
Just because of the cost and maintenance involved in it. It does scratch and will come off eventually. Great to look at, but, if you use the table a ton, well you know.
Trent from Toledo