Razor blades work as well as grafting knives if you don't have one. Parafilm is thin sheets of wax so you don't need more wax. Parafilm is really good stuff.Rubber bands hold graft unions tighter and you can wrap parafilm around the top scion to prevent drying. 10% bleach or alcohol is fine. Paul.

I don't really know how to wrap the rubber bands around the grafts. Do I need them for dwarf tree whip and tongue grafts?

Instead of wrapping Parafilm around the top scion to prevent drying, can I just put the grafting wax there?

And am I right to wait for some growth to start on the fruit tree or grapevine before grafting?

Thank you. Very helpful.

Still unsure of the other things.

yes you can use the grafting wax on the top of the scion if you prefer....I coat the whole scion including the parafilm tape but you don't have to.
Use the parafilm on your whip and tongue grafts, it is what i use.
Ray

Thanks very much. And should I wait until I see some growth before doing the whip and tongue?

You absolutely need the rubber bands or SOMETHING to secure the graft, and even then all it takes it one misplaced elbow to destroy 6 months of nursing your little graft and break your heart. Nooooooo!
Myself, I use the stretchy plastic green garden tape to both label my grafts and tie them to the rootstock tree and secure them until the wood has grown together.

Carla in Sac