I worked in an industry that machined large pieces (relative to me) all the time, Their product was a cast iron frame and cylinders with steel cranks and con rods. The largest con rods were larger than my forearm and too heavy to lift. The smallest cranks had 2 1/2" mains. The largest cylinders took pistons over 30 inches in diameter. CI machines much more easily than steel. the chips can be vacuumed easily, they're dust. Yeah, you want to have a dust collector going along side your cutter. We didn't consider it to be bad working conditions. Another job I had, the only product of the factory was CI brake rotors. same working conditions. Except all operations were flooded with coolant.
I have no prejudice against CI. It's good stable material.