Helping you become a better technician. We talk about manufacturing, industrial automation, PLC programming, and help you remove the roadblocks to success.
Talks with TW
Claim This Podcastby Tim Wilborne
5.0(7 reviews)
52 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
Helping you become a better technician. We talk about manufacturing, industrial automation, PLC programming, and help you remove the roadblocks to success.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/8/2021
2 verified contact emails on file for Talks with TW
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
May 31, 2026
Why Your Manager Is Stressed About Downtime (And How to Fix It)
<p>It has been a busy few weeks at the training center with custom guest training covering IO-Link, sensors, and TIA Portal. In this update, I discuss the progress on our new pneumatic trainer and pick-and-place robot trainer, both of which will be featured in upcoming videos. I also take some time to answer your questions regarding the real-world application of IO-Link, how to transition between different PLC platforms, and how to effectively communicate with your manager about justifying the need for training equipment to reduce costly downtime. Using a practical, data-driven approach to justify the hardware you need for your sandbox environment is the most effective way to transition from reactive maintenance to planned machine shutdowns.</p><p><br></p><p>Helping you become a better technician so you will always be in demand </p><p><br></p><p>Not sure what video to watch next?</p><p><br></p><p>Enhance your skills and track your progress at https://controls.tw/yt-courses!</p><p><br></p><p>Workforce Readiness for Managers https://twcontrols.com/workforce-readiness-for-managers</p><p>The above links make these videos possible. Please use them!</p>
March 1, 2026
Insulation Testing, Legacy Networks, and Shop Fires: Weekly Q&A
<p>This week we dive into a wide range of topics gathered from your questions on YouTube and LinkedIn. We start by addressing a common terminology correction regarding motor insulation testing and why it is so difficult to provide a universal "good" or "bad" resistance value. The conversation moves into the technical hurdles of migrating from legacy 1734 POINT I/O to the newer 5034 modules, including the unexpected challenges of scope creep and input filter settings.</p><p>We also tackle the "heated" debate over legacy networking protocols like ControlNet and DeviceNet. While many agree these systems are nearing their end of life, the physical media and downtime requirements make replacement a complex planning task rather than a quick fix. Finally, we share a personal story about a project vehicle fire that serves as a reminder of the importance of thinking under pressure, and we reflect on how our responses to industry events define our professional community.</p><p>Helping you become a better technician so you will always be in demand</p><p>Not sure what video to watch next? Enhance your skills and track your progress at <a href="https://controls.tw/yt-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://controls.tw/yt-courses</a>!</p><p></p>
February 22, 2026
The Truth About the Skills Gap: Practice vs. Pushing a Broom
<p>The news that Yokohama Tire in Salem is closing its doors on March 18th is a "plant obituary" for our community. For me, it’s personal. I started in that facility at 12 years old, and those foundations are exactly what built TW Controls. But as we look at the 2,700 local lives impacted by the economic multiplier effect, we have to ask: Are we waiting for a lifeline from Washington, or are we building our own resilience?I am tired of hearing about the "workforce skills gap" from companies that force their technicians to push a broom the moment the line is running. If your team is "looking busy" instead of practicing on the bench, you aren't managing—you’re falling behind. Training isn’t a one-and-done checkbox; it’s a yearly requirement to stay in demand. Today, we’re talking about taking ownership of our backyards, from Master Electrician CEUs to bridging the gap between legacy 1734 and modern 5034 Point I/O.Helping you become a better technician so you will always be in demandNot sure what video to watch next? Enhance your skills and track your progress at https://controls.tw/yt-courses!</p>
52 total episodes available
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for Talks with TW
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Talks with TW?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.