It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If it's just a clean-up or surface freshening I utilize 6 "cycles (up and down motion) per each of the 6 sided method. For a full resurface it depends on how bad the ball is.
Are you holding the sandpaper / Abrolon pad by hand or did you buy one of the "cups?"
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-Chris: DJ's Pro Shop : Auburn, MA