Replying to Tips on Waxing/Sharpening?

I've only just started to wax and sharpen my own skis. I've always gotten my buddies at the shops to do it or any friends I can coerce.

Thus far my results have been mixed. I tried the simple rub on wax (No Iron) with little success. I've been trying out Iron-on for about a week or so but every time I go out it seems like I did something wrong, or that something is just off.

I ski 172 05/06 Chronics, with center mounted Bindings.

Any tips you guys could offer would be most appreciated