I was surprised to learn that hot melt adhesives widely used in the
USA were wax-based.  This is certainly not the case here in the UK
where, until recently, most were EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).  Even
so, actual waxes are quite easy to remove from wood and fabric (as
my mother, a Rector's wife, can vouch!).

Scrape off as much as possible first.  Then use a very warm iron on
top of blotting paper.  Gravity being what it is, it's sometimes more
effective to have the iron underneath, held in a vice (vise), for
instance.  With just sufficient heat and time virtually all the wax
can be absorbed by this method.

Then any residues left in or on wood can usually be wiped away using
white spirit or a similar solvent.  It's also possible to sprinkle on
whiting or fullers earth, wetting it repeatedly with solvent if
necessary, to draw out oils and waxes.

Some modern ecological citrate-based detergents and hand cleaners are
very effective at emulsifying waxes and oils in place of hydrocarbon
solvents.

Having said all this, true wax and oil residues can usually be safely
flashed off with a hot air gun or blowtorch, as does a candle flame.
Remember paint stripping with blow lamp?  Just be careful not to scorch
the wood.

Then to prevent further damage to valuable instruments (and avoid vCJD
prions) get rid of that hot animal glue!

Paddy Handscombe
Wivenhoe, Essex, UK.