Simplify

Okay, on second thought, the hole saw doesn't work. Spent $25 on a new hole saw the right size (1"), just rip the bamboo apart.

New approach: the coping saw. I use one of my successful hole saw bamboos as a template, trace it, and cut the next one out by hand. It goes really fast, doesn't require pre-drilling or extension cords, and NEVER splits the bamboo.