RE: building wooden arrows
Lots of opinions on whether or not other woods are as good or better than Port Orford Cedar. Some are heavier, some are tougher, but each seems to have it's own drawbacks. I've shot several different types of wood, and always go back to POC.
Tapered shafts may help your arrow flight, and I think are a little more forgiving. Whether they are worth the price difference depends on you. I still shoot both, and when I have the spine properly matched to my bow, I can't tell any difference.
Shaft diameter probably won't be an option with the weight you are shooting, with POC anyway. Most of the heavier spines are going to be 23/64. I'm not a good enough shot to tell the difference in 1/64" arrow diameter. [8D] Unless you go with a Tru-Center or other taper tool that has different size shaft guides (is there another one with this option?), you will have to match the size taper tool to your arrow shafts. Or you can get a Woodchuck.
Good luck!
Chad