Not too bad looking. My first guess is the handles are too long. Also I would recommend bending them more at a 90 degree angle. Of course riding styles differ, but I will grab the very front of my handles in a tight turn.
Yes wood is a cheap option. Easy to work with, simple to replace if you make a mistake. I think most people race metal or composite luges more for the durability than anything. Talk to Dave Auld, he was one of the last guys to race a wooden board (that isn't a buttboard) before going to metal. Darren Lott designed the gumball machine, which is similar to the design you've come up with.
What is this about coming to Seattle?
By the way, check out luge pics at my site:
ChrisMcB.com