Need safety tips for cutting tile with a grinder - almost lost a finger yesterday!

Hey guys, total noob question here but I need help. I was trying to cut some porcelain tile with my 4.5" angle grinder yesterday using one of those diamond blades. I had it clamped down but the thing kicked back and nearly took my thumb off. Scared the crap out of me. What am I doing wrong? Should I be using a different attachment? Any safety tips would be awesome before I try again.

Dude, porcelain is no joke - that stuff is hard as hell! First off, ALWAYS use a blade guard and keep it adjusted properly. I see so many guys running grinders with the guard removed 'for better visibility' - that's how you end up in the ER. Second, make sure you're using a continuous rim diamond blade, not a segmented one - less chance of chipping and kickback. And wear proper PPE: safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator because that dust will mess up your lungs. Oh, and let the tool do the work - don't force it!

Sid's right about the guard - non-negotiable. Also, make sure your workpiece is SECURE. Clamps are good, but for tile I like using a tile cutter jig if I'm doing a lot of cuts. For one-offs, I'll sometimes use a piece of scrap wood behind it to stabilize. And check your blade - if it's worn or damaged, replace it. A wobbly blade is asking for trouble. Stay safe out there!

All good advice above. One thing I'll add from the HVAC side - watch your cord placement! I've seen guys trip over their own extension cord while cutting and... well, you can imagine. Keep it out of your work area. Also, if you're doing this indoors, make sure you've got ventilation. That silica dust is no joke - can cause serious lung issues down the road. Maybe consider a wet cutting setup if you're doing a lot of tile work?