Cutting angle iron with an angle grinder

[Richard]

Today I bought an inexpensive Draper angle grinder. I'm not sure if there is a correct direction of rotation for cutting.

Looking at a picture on the box, which shows the cutting of a metal bar/beam of some sort, it looks like the wheel is rotating, as it were, (at the edge furthest from the operator)from bottom of the work towards the top, rather than from the top downwards towards the bottom. In other words, if looking from a vantage point on the operators left side, the wheel seems to be moving in a clockwise direction.

The guard is pretty much in a horizontal position and the sparks are coming out the edge of the wheel nearest the operator and pointing down towards the floor.

Is there a right and wrong direction of rotation for cutting the angle iron or, in general, a metal bar? TIA.

[NT]

Just need to hold it so that it doesnt jump. Sometimse I turn it round to keep the sparks out of the way

NT

[robgraham]

And please make sure that the flow of sparks do not contact anything flammable - the spark flow is very hot and can ignite clothing, etc. quite easily. My father missed this point and set fire to himself.

[John Rumm]

The disc should rotate such that the far edge is moving down. Hence if you apply it to a vertical face, sparks will go down, and if you apply it to the top of a horizontal one, they will come toward you if not careful!

The guard should have a limited amount of rotation to enable you to keep it between you and the sparks in most situations.

[Jules Richardson]

Whichever way is least likely to fling the part that you're cutting off halfway across the room, or blast your face/body with sparks.

cheers

Jules

[spamlet]

And the thought of it is setting my teeth on edge...

S