Your first fret level and dress should take up to several hours IMO because there is a learn-as-you-go curve.I was carefully filing one fret for ten minutes and it didn't do much, so at this rate it will take several hours.
However, ten minutes is a long time for one fret, especially if you're not seeing a result. Can you explain your process? Maybe what tools you're using?
I could file a fret right down to the fretboard in that amount of time. (not recommended BTW, just sayin')