I've read all these posts about shelf life for Abralon and I've come to the conclusion that either my Abralon is on steroids or I'm doing it wrong.

My method is this: I use a LOT of water, I do the top half of the ball for 30-45 seconds, switch, do the bottom half (or two-thirds). I use a Vertex Mold 1/2-hp spinner.

I use gentle, even pressure, and as far as I can tell, the pads are still doing their job. While I've done only one hardcore resurface so far (the rest have just been surface adjustments), I've done about 12-15 balls with one 2000 pad and it still feels abrasive and still appears to be doing its job.

So what's going on here? How do I tell when it's no good anymore?

Jess

I think surface modifications are allowed until the first bowler throws the first ball in competition.  After that, no sanding is allowed, only polishing in an in-house automatic machine or with products that are USBC approved for use during competition.  Any sanding medium that can be used wet can also be used dry.  If used dry the medium will wear out sooner and it will release dust into the air.  If you're doing it by hand the dust will be very minimal.  --  JohnP