So I would like a more "traditional" arrow than carbon.  What's going to shoot the best and be the most forgiving for a beginner arrow builder-wood or bamboo.

For a beginner shooter..carbon..it's straight and takes out the bad arrow ( read ..needs to be straightened) part of the equation when working on form.

for a beginner arrow builder..depends on what stage you're starting from and what tools you have available.

If you're starting from harvesting the material I think bamboo is easier since it's already shaped. Making dowels from a log is real work..not to mention finding a good log to make em out of.

If you're going to buy pre-made shafts, I'd go with wood.
They're more uniform, and you don't have to worry about the hollow shaft.

John-  thanks for the help!

Anytime    

I would second using a consistent shaft as a beginner.  But you also may consider aluminum.  They come in more spine (stiffness) flavors compared to carbon shafts so you can match it to your bow.  If you have a center cut shelf though you are probably OK with Carbon.
Dave

Where do you look for Hill Cane?
I would like to get some.

Hill cane is native cane that only grows in a limited area of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It's botanical name is Arundinaria appalachiana. It grows along the creek that runs through my property. I will have some for trade but not until I harvest it again in January.
Google it. Lots of good info.

For natural shafting I don't think you can get simpler than good POC shafting. That was my first shafting many years ago and I made many sets of good arrows with little monetary output.

Find some good poplar shafting.  You will not go wrong.

You might enjoy this.  It's a fun project.

http://www.tenbrookarchery.com/tutorials/bamboo-arrows

Cody- that was a cool little tutorial! Thanks!