How to Cut Cast Iron Pipe With an Angle Grinder?

An angle grinder is a widely used cutting tool. Its high rpm rotating speed can easily cut any steel structure to a wooden part. However, it’s possible to cut cast iron materials with an angle grinder.

Cast iron was used since the semi-centennial to last two decades. On those time the cast iron was the  only solution to build a strong pipe for sewage or something like that.

That’s why while making construction work, the cast iron pipe was the only solution for the builder. 

Is there any alternative way?

Yes now the ABS and PVC pipe take place against the cast iron pipe. There are several problems with cast ironwork. It could get stains and dirt quickly. After several years of using. it makes stain and iron dust which ultimately spoils the structure of any building. 

Moreover, there's a high chance of getting a leak after using the cast iron for several years. So you must look from year to year for proper maintenance.

And when you want to repair it, the tricky spot will be congested to work. So this could partially make it costly to work. Now we don’t need any cast iron pipe anymore because we have an alternative to cast iron is a PVC pipe. It is not too heavy but permanent. 

Besides whenever you build construction with a cast iron pipe its weight is another leading problem to avoid this material, this is another reason not to use a cast iron but PVC pipe.

What do I need to cut a cast iron pipe with an angle grinder?

Several things you may need to do the task in perfect way. Some of them are given bellow-

A fine cut-of disc (4-½ inch)

To cut a cast iron pipe you don't need a huge amount of tools or things to do the task. You only need well-cutoff  tools to do the job perfectly. While working with an angle grinder you must choose a diamond blade cutting wheel for better results.

Otherwise, the problem with cutting may arise and you may need to change the blade continuously. So to avoid this problem you should change the blade and work with a well-finished diamond cutting tool.

Safety glass

While working with an angle grinder you must check all safety measurements. After all, safety is first, so take your safety glass, hand gloves and use a mask before you start cutting the cast iron metal.

Workbench

It will be helpful if you work upon any bench and regulate your work as usual. If you are a tall person then you may feel uneasy working on the flat surface of the soil but if you take a bench and cut the cast iron pipe it would be a good choice to work.

How to cut cast iron pipe using an angle grinder? (A step by step guide)

Choose the angle grinder with a suitable disc

We have talked before about the disc size for the angle grinder which is used to cut cast iron pipe. If you use the regular grinding or cutting wheel to cut the cast iron pipe it may be difficult to work with it. 

But if you choose a well-built diamond blade cutting blade, it would cut the cast iron in a better way. However, if you cut the uncertain size or zigzag formation, this will ruin your work for instance.

So for proper cutting, you must choose a better grinding wheel like a diamond-cut disc.

Wearing protective glass

Before you start cutting, you must properly wear protective gear so that any speedy dust can’t harm your body. The spark can undoubtedly harm your skin and eye. 

So the protective materials have to be worn while working. However, you can use hand gloves, eye protection, and a mask. This element is a must-use thing especially if you’re beginners with metal cutting with an angle grinder.

Marking

Marking on the cast iron pipe with chalk will help you to place your grinder in position. You can use a marker, but if the metal surface has stains or dust you have to use colored chalk-like white, blue. 

Other Way you can also mark with color paint with the painter to markup. But marking up makes your exact point to start cutting.

Starting & Make a penetration

While starting the device you first penetrate the spot with your diamond cut angle grinder. First penetration is important because if you can’t do that perfectly the kickback may happen and lastly fall you in danger. 

So before the start, you should start to penetrate a little within the pipe and start working safely.  

Cut with proper position

The positioning of cutting is another important aspect as well. If the cast iron pipe is upon your head, the cutting procedure will be different and if you get the iron pipe on the flat surface the cutting method will be another way. But in both cases, it would be better if you take the pipe under your reach. 

If you are a tall person it will be helpful to get it to work upon the bench and starting the cutting job otherwise if you are working on soil level your back pain may arise. But you can try this way.

Repetitive step.

What you did first from the penetration into the pipe, you have to do this step by step and continue. Otherways it could get ruined. You must check if any uncertain cuts happen, if it does it could affect your work and need more time to work. So to take the step you should decently maintain work.

Finishing 

After cutting with an angle grinder, check the edge of the cast iron pipe if there are any dents or cracks. If it does you are extra sure to finish is not good. So you should work again and maintain the workflow as usual.

What are the alternative ways to cut the cast iron pipe? 

Hacksaw:

For doing the job you can use a hacksaw for better use and placement. However, the hacksaw is the tool that has a minimum value for cutting the cast iron pipe. With the hacksaw, you can cut the cast iron pipe easily.

But with the hacksaw, you may need to change the blade several times and this cuckold will cause you problems and make cost. But angle grinder can do this job with only one blade or some special cases you may need several blades for doing it the proper way.

Advantage: 

• Cheap ad value for money.
• Suitable to use for all people
• Can be work in any space

Disadvantage: 

• May need to change the saw again and again

Cold Chisel:

This manual method can be sometimes effective in some places to cut a cast iron pipe properly. The cold chisel can be used to cut the iron pipe better. What skill you need to cut with this cold chisel is just hammer and continue work. So cold chisel can be your top choice to cut a cast iron pipe in the right way.

Advantage:

• Don’t need skill
• Need fewer tools
• Easy to operate the tools

Disadvantage: 

• Can’t be perfect
• Need a wide range of areas.

Snap Cutter:

A Snap cutter is an effective way to cut a cast iron pipe properly. Because of the edge of the snap cutter that partially cuts through the middle point while using the device. If you are not supposed to do it with the snap cutter you may don't know its effectiveness. But the device is super comfortable to use almost all of the certains.

Advantage:

• Super easy
• Hand-free device

Disadvantage: 

• Problematic for first use.

Reciprocating Saw:

Advantage:

• Need Less effort 
• Work quickly

Disadvantage: 

• Expensive

Is it a good choice to change cast iron pipe to PVC pipe?

Yes, The cast iron pipe has many problems while setting up on buildings. In the 19th century, the cast iron pipe was the solution to flowing sewage or water. But nowadays a good alternative to plastics has come. 

You can easily use a PVC pipe to do the job correctly. You may see many old buildings made with cast iron pipes a lot. By the way, PVC pipe has a long lifespan with less cost. So obviously it's a good choice to go with PVC pipe against Cast iron pipe.

Conclusion

While using an angle grinder, it has a versatile range of work. So if you choose the angle grinder to cut the cast iron pipe, we think it's a good choice, you need to follow the rules and instructions. And above all, you will be able to do the task properly.

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