You're right about practice, I probably have done two or three feet of that pattern and am just now beginning to figure it out. Persevere! It will start to fall into place.
As to getting the finish you want... First thing to consider is using a finer file. You can buy cheap Chinese files at flea markets, cheap enough to throw away when they go dull (as they will, fairly quickly). You can also buy good American files from hobby stores and the knife supply places. Also, Travers and MSC have great selections of files. Personally, I use the Chinese ones and throw them away frequently.
Be sure to keep your files clean while working. Any metal caught in the teeth will be very likely to leave deep grooves in your work. A good file card is cheap, find one at hardware stores or the knife suppliers.
I use a Dremel with Cratex tips to clean up most round filework. You can also wrap sandpaper around a dowel of the right size. You can polish filework with various hard felt wheels in the Dremel as well. This is preferable to a large wheel as it helps retain your sharp lines.
Hope some of this helps. Good luck, feel free to share your pictures!
Dave
