Hi, wonder if anyone can offer advice, farmer trimming cattle feet - with an angle grinder, wheel guard removed to fit a trimming type plate or disc. The plate has what look like sections cut out to trim the feet, issue with an unguarded plate (wheel). Are there any - safer - alternatives trimming methods? Thanks. 

The way to eliminate the power tool is to do it by hand with a dedicated knife, but then you are at risk of muscle strain/fatigue/wruld....

Is he wearing a face shield with impact protection?

possible shrapnel could be the disc shattering (unlikely, unless they are put to cut metal vs fairly soft cows hooves), more likely horn expelled but highest risk stones dislodged and expelled at high speed.

Adjustments to any equipment away from manufacturer design and instructed usage are fraught with danger.

There are many examples in the RAPEX and OPSS https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls regarding modification devices for angle grinders which whilst they could be done, should never in practice be applied.

The chain cutter on the hoof knife seems to resemble a lot of these recalled toothed angle grinder attachments - as to its claims of CE compliance that is probably limited to the drive unit electrically rather than any wider consideration of the fully assembled tool in use.

I haven't heard of this but will offer the main safety hazard with angle grinders is he cutting disc shattering, not the cattle's hooves.

Thanks all for the comments, not an easy subject. A knife was mentioned but not considered good or fast enough, too many feet to trim. Just seems wrong - taking the original guard off!!  - fingers are too close to the trimming disk. 

Originally Posted by: JHF

Hi, seems they should be using a 4 1/2 inch grinder with a 4 1/2 inch disc - this should allow the guard (removed for ease of use!) to remain in place. Advised they could also make use of a trimming knife, advised this method is too slow. 

If you google cattle trimming disc with guarding you might come across this link... I am not associated with the firm, just the result I found googling myself: 

https://youtu.be/nf8Nc1gyWGM?t=65

Originally Posted by: CdC

If you google cattle trimming disc with guarding you might come across this link... I am not associated with the firm, just the result I found googling myself: https://youtu.be/nf8Nc1gyWGM?t=65

The type of attachment the North American is using is subject to a safety alert by the OPSS

https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-angle-grinder-chainsaw-disc-attachment-psa2

Similarly saw attachments

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-uk-safety-alert-issued-for-angle-grinder-attachments

Thanks again, seemlingly an easy subject, not so easy outcome.