Hard to tell how good your weld is when you grind half of it off. I won't be placing an order anytime soon.
don't think powder coating any type of device that relies on friction to work. powder coat is basically a form of plastic that will melt and tear from rope friction and cause an uneven surface. may also cause probs with rope passing smoothly. items like a porty work best naked or with a plated surface. (industrial nickel plate works best,even friction surface, no rust, inexpensive).