My alley has a ball polish machine in the "Pro Shop". It has settings for a 2, 4, 6, and 8 minute run.

What does this machine do?

Would my ball (8 years old; hardly ever used) benefit from this?

Unless it is the Storm resurface machine, don't bother. Ball polish machines basically clog the pores of your bowling ball. If you are using it on your spare ball or a polished urethane ball, go for it. Otherwise, I wouldn't go near it.

Here's a similar thread ...

http://www.bowlingcommunity.com/b/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&topic=5914&gonew=1

I learned the hard way that I shouldn't use it, because the Pro Shop operator tells everyone it's okay to use it on the balls.

Your better off bringing it your Pro Shop and have them resurface your ball bring it back to out of box condition

Ball polishing machines use wax which clogs the small open pores in your ball surface, or cover particles on your coverstock. Don't use it.