looks like a great start. I have the same problem as far as having high hopes and being so hard on myself.

My one piece of adviced neither relates to your subject or its look at this point but rather how you start and come to an end. Pistons are one hell of a fun project but take a lot of time I learned early. Don't focus on the end result, just work with one piece at a time. When you get the look you want move on. The next time you go to do it, it will take a lot less time. Where as if you try to do it all at once its slow going, it makes you feel like your accomplishing nothing and well then you get hard on yourself.

Keep up the good work dude, and just remember it's like anything else. To make it how you want it takes a bit of know-how and a lot of time. The know-how will come but everyone knows time.

Keep at it and I'm sure it'll be so much better soon!

Cheers.