Hello from Dorset

[stvn66]

I can't help regards where to rent or training but I think you'll struggle to find a generic CNC training course that will be much use operating a machine.!
The problem is there are so many different controllers fit to machines that they couldn't possibly teach you all of them and really there isn't any standard for controllers fit to machines and it's the controller you need to learn to operate the machine.

Then you have different types of CNC machines, ie: Mill, Router, Plasma, Laser, EDM. Each of these is CNC but operate with slight differences that would need to be learned before you could operate one.

The principles of CNC can be taught in college ie: G-code, CAM, Coordinate systems, tool offsets, etc and they will teach you how to use the controller fit to the machines they operate to test your G-code, etc. But unless you go on specific courses for controllers, which I doubt there will be many taught in college, then they won't help you actually operate the machine. This is normally done by the employer, either on the job or by sending to the machine manufacturer who runs courses of their specific controllers.

Then you have hobby controllers like Mach3, UCCNC, LINUXCNC, etc. that are often fit to DIY machines and many low-cost (compared to industrial) commercially available machines. These operate very differently from industrial controllers and while they use similar principles to industrial controllers, ie: G-code standards, Work offsets, tooloff sets, etc they have just enough differences to make them unusable if you haven't been shown, or at very least many hours of trial and error. And while DIY or lower spec machines they can still do serious damage to a machine or person if setup or programmed wrong.

My advice if you want to learn Hobby level CNC is to buy a cheap machine and get stuck in, watch some youtube vids and ask questions on here. It's not rocket science and the best way to learn is from practical experience.

What's your intention for learning CNC.? To get or job or just a Hobby.?

Good luck

Clearly, much more involved that I imagined, thanks for sharing your expertise :)

[JAZZCNC]

Clearly, much more involved that I imagined, thanks for sharing your expertise :)

Don't be put off, depending on the level machinery your wanting to operate it's not as difficult as you might expect. 1000's of complete novices learn to operate DIY level machines with little to no training, most on here fit into that catergory.
Also, I have many customers who had never used a CNC router and with just a few hours training on the control operating the machine. Then within just a few days creating parts In CAM for their business.
I have several customers who within a very short time built up thriving business's and now operate several machines, all of them with no previous experience in manual machining or CNC machining.

So don't be afraid to give it a go.