I'll second (or third) the admonitions to not use dowels, broom handles, etc. for any contact. I have a couple I turned into jo when I first started, and they are great for backyard solo practice, but I would not allow them in the dojo. They are very nice (beveled, sanded, oiled, and burnished), but not safe. They are also too light, and too thick (which was an advantage when I started, but now feels weird).
Several of us at my dojo have had good luck with oak weapons from NineCirclesUSA.com. Very well made, pretty white oak, reasonably priced. They sell sets of 4 or 10 at a discount. Maybe if a bunch of folks ordered them together...
http://www.ninecirclesusa.com/Wooden...-_10_Pack.aspx