Despite the scare a few years ago aluminum cookware is safe.

When aluminum is exposed to air, a layer of aluminum oxide forms on it immediately. That is why it is so bloody difficult to solder. Aluminum oxide is one of the hardest substances known to man, and is second only to diamond in hardness. It cannot harm you. The aluminum that gets into your body comes from cosmetics and powders, not from pots and pans or ceramics.

So if you have arthritis, look out for aluminum pans. Good old worn out non stick pans can be picked up very cheaply at thrift stores and yard sales. Look out for collectible Wagner Ware, Club, or Guardian ware. They are all good.

Get yourself some wet or dry rubbing down paper at your hardware or automotive store, grab a pack of mixed grades. No kitchen should be without it. I use it for Cast iron pans, old Teflon coated pans and even stainless steel pots and pans and kitchen sinks. Choose an appropriate grade. If the surface is bad start with the coarsest and work your way down. An aluminum skillet polished to a 600 or finer finish will be non stick.

Another way to prove a cast iron skillet is to roast coffee in it. Buy some green beans from your local coffee store. Do this when you are expecting visitors because the smell of roasting coffee will impress the hell out of your guests.

When improving any pot, you don't have to do it all at once. Keep that 'wet or dry' by your kitchen sink and use it every time you clean the pot. Just use finer and finer paper on it until you are satisfied.