When it comes to things bamboo how far can you go with machines before the whole "hand made" thing is under suspicion. That my friends is up to you and your pocketbook. I am comfortable power bevelling my strips and then tapering the strips in the form with a plane. For me, I just like planing, I like the tactile feel of making shavings, it's my favorite aspect of building. If you have a finish beveller and can pump out strips ready for gluing, good for you. Each of us has our own perspective, there is no right or wrong. Don't let yourself feel those pangs of guilt for using a time saving machine, if it lets you make more rods and you find it enjoyable, go for it. I am not sure if my guilt is from all those damn Catholic masses but I am trying to work through it. Forgive me Father for I have sinned, it has been three rods since my last confession.