He is talking about parafin, and if you don't want to go out and buy a big brick of it, you can get a smaller one at your grocery store. They generally keep it with the canning supplies. (You pour melted parafin on top of your home-made apple jelly to seal the jar)

I am skeptical that the wax is going to help much in keeping the CA off your fingers, but it is handy for lubricating screws and that sort of thing. Me, i just pry my fingers away from the wood and keep on going. The skin grows back eventually.