Be careful about the dowels you choose, they should have straight grain, no >>>>>>>>>> anywhere, and roll them on the floor to find the straightest ones. Poplar is semi easy to straighten with your fingers, and shapes well. And it's kinda tough to choose which diameter due to your not having a bow, so no idea draw weight, therefore no idea on spine weight (read up lots on using dowel for arrows, lots of useful advice and warnings!!!!)