Need safety tips for cutting cast iron pipe with angle grinder - almost lost a finger!

Hey guys, total newbie here with a scary situation. I was trying to cut an old cast iron drain pipe in my basement with my 4.5" angle grinder and a metal cutting wheel. Thing kicked back HARD and nearly took my thumb off. I was wearing safety glasses but that's about it. What am I missing? Should I be using a different attachment? Special technique? Don't want to end up in the ER next time.

Yikes, cast iron is no joke! First off - where's your gloves and face shield? Metal shards from cast iron will mess you up bad. For pipe cutting, I always use a diamond blade made for metal, not those cheap abrasive wheels that can explode. Make sure the pipe is secured in a vise or with clamps - never freehand. And go slow, let the blade do the work. If it's kicking back, you're probably forcing it or the blade is binding. Also, check if your grinder has a safety clutch - some of the newer ones do.

PipePaul's right about securing the workpiece. I restore old buildings and cut tons of cast iron. Pro tip: score a line around the pipe first with the grinder, then make your full cut. Reduces binding. And for god's sake wear leather gloves - not those cloth ones. The sparks from cast iron are brutal. If you're doing a lot of this, consider a reciprocating saw with a metal blade - way more control for us mortals. Angle grinders are basically spinning death if you don't respect them.

OMG that sounds terrifying! I mostly do drywall so I'm no expert with metal, but even I know you need way more PPE. My husband (he's a sparky) always wears a full face shield, heavy gloves, AND a leather apron when he uses his grinder. Maybe try a different approach? I've seen people use pipe cutters for cast iron - the kind you tighten and rotate? Might be slower but definitely safer for a DIYer. Stay safe!!!

Debbie's got a point about alternative tools. If it's just one cut, a manual pipe cutter or even a hacksaw with a good blade might be better for a beginner. But if you're set on the grinder: 1) Secure pipe 2) Diamond blade 3) Full face shield 4) Leather gloves 5) No loose clothing 6) Cut AWAY from your body 7) Let the tool cool between cuts. And maybe watch some YouTube vids before trying again. This ain't mudding drywall - one mistake and you're visiting the trauma center.