Hi Handyman,
It sounds to me like a superb start! Much better results than I got my first razor out. As a matter of fact, I never even got a shave off my first try. I could tell by the arm hair test not to try it on my face. Then about 50 tries later I finally got a good bevel set.
Here is a great place for an illuminated magnifier (30x loupe):
Widget Supply 25mm 30x Chrome Teardrop Jewelers Loupe, Illuminated
That is the one I bought, and you can't beat the cheap price. It is not a cheap loupe though and I think it works magic for seeing an edge.
I also think you need a 8k stone to go between your 4k and 12k Cnat. But that is just because that is what I was taught you need. From what I learned from the JaNorton exercise all you need is the 4/8k stones to be able to set a bevel and shave from it. I did make that happen, even though I think I get a much better edge off the CNat than I ever did off just the 8k alone.
Keep going brother!! I needed all the encouragement I could get when I was doing my first razors, so I am here to encourage you as well!! Us rookies need to support one another!
Great job bro!!
M