exotic wood question re wax

[cwithboat]

I have selected a project for my newly acquired BS and as I intend to make gifts, I ordered some fancy wood (cocobolo) via the internet. It came covered in wax, which I presume is to guard against checking and cracks due to the wood drying out in shipment. How do I remove the wax? If I attempt to cut the piece with the wax on it, will it clog my blade or make a mess of the guides, etc?

[smorris]

I just use my scraper to clean the wax off when I get a piece of wood with it.