Kelly,
THAT is what I am now thinking (Incra). I started pricing all the brass nuts, brass bolts, knobs, stock, etc. and I came up to about $75 of brass parts, JUST to build the DIY version above. And that DIY would be without a front clamping vise to hold the work piece.
I can get the Incra for $154.00 on Amazon w/FREE shipping. Basically for the difference of ~$75 I can have a much better jig. In the long run I am thinking that that will pay for itself many times over in convenience and durability. And since I have already purchased the 1/4"— 3/8" Freud Box-Joint Dado Blade, it makes sense to stay with a TS solution and besides the Incra can do both router and TS.
Thanks for the suggestion!
HorizontalMike