I usually start with the inspection and straightening. I check for things such as cross grain, splinters, knots, and other things that may compromise the quallity of the arrow.
You can do this either before or after you stain. It'll sometimes save some time, work maybe, if you inspect them before staining. I don't have a pic of that process just now, but above, I'm checking for straightness.
I'll usually check for straightness as soon as I unbundle the dozen and again after I've stained the shafts. I then will check them periodically as I go along. Eventually, I'll have them all straight as an "arrow". :shock: