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The Books

Learn to approach every repair with the judgement, preparation, and decision-making of a true professional.

Thinking Like a Professional by Dave Kyle, Volume One of The Workshop Library
Thinking Like a Professional by Dave Kyle, Volume One of The Workshop Library

Thinking Like a Professional

Thinking Like a Professional explores the judgement, discipline, preparation, and decision-making that separate simply completing a repair from approaching the work professionally.

Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Dave Kyle examines how professionals assess a job before touching it, protect the surrounding environment, anticipate problems, communicate with clients, choose the right repair approach, and take responsibility for the final result.

Rather than focusing only on tools and techniques, this volume looks at the thinking behind the work—how experience shapes decisions, why preparation matters, and how seemingly small choices can determine whether a job succeeds or fails.

Written for DIY enthusiasts, developing technicians, craftspeople, and working professionals, Thinking Like a Professional encourages readers to slow down, observe more carefully, understand the consequences of their decisions, and develop the habits that lead to better, safer, and more consistent work.

Coming Soon promotional image for The Workshop Library by Dave Kyle, featuring wood touch-up, repair
Coming Soon promotional image for The Workshop Library by Dave Kyle, featuring wood touch-up, repair

Kyle’s Wood Touch Up and Repair Presents — Coming Soon

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  • Volume 2: The Most Common Touch-Up & Repair

  • Volume 3: How to Become or Hire a Contractor

    Professions Skills Series

    • Volume 4: Prep Sanding

    • Volume 5: Staining

    • Volume 6: Sealers & Topcoats

    • Volume 7: Primers & Colored Topcoats

    • Volume 8: Clear & Toner Aerosols Spray Systems

    • Volume 9: The Art of Color Matching

    • Volume 10: Solid Wood & Veneer Repairs

    • Volume 11: Hardware & Handles

    • Volume 12: When Animals Attach - Pet Damage

    • Volume 13: When Water Meets Wood

  • Architectural Millwork Series

    • Volume 14: Windows, Door Casings & Baseboards

    • Volume 15: Built-in Fireplace Mantels

    • Volume 16: Kitchens & Bathroom

    • Volume 17: Staircase

      Furniture Restoration Series

    • Volume 18: Furniture

    • Volume 19: Dining Room Tables & Chairs

    • Volume 20: Antique Restoration

      Business & Consumer Series

    • Volume 21: The Technician & The Van

    • Volume 22: Estimating & Pricing Professional Repairs

    • Volume 23: Running a Professional Business

    • Volume 24: Customer Relations

    • Volume 25: Training an Onsite Touch Up Specialist