Hi ! I'm a new viewer. A bit late answer for you. As many as you want! The cue only absorbs how much it needs. But generally, 2 months would be suitable. By the way, try use Linseed oil instead of baby oil. You may get it cheaper at some fine-art material shops or big book stores (Cosmo Book Shop in WanChai or Chung Nam Book Shop in Mongkok, around $30 for 100ml only)