1.) Shields are made from 3 metals, the base, the emblem, and the edge, there is no wooden component.
2.) The emblem and edge of the shield have no effect on its properties, or at least not much.
3.) He's right about swords.
4.) Plut is the best bow, I don't know if woods actually influence the properties.
--Shields--
Steel - Sparks
Lead - Bounce
Copper - Freeze
Gold - Gold Drop