Hi Clint,
My DH and I made one of these from a 18 gallon tote bucket, a pond pump and made a H frame from PVC pipe, a fish tank rock bubbler and thermostat. Bought the baskets and round sponges at a hydroponic store. Total cost was about 100.00. Works great. I was told that the sponge hair cullers work well too but never tried that. I was going to give mine a cleaning this week if your interested I could take pictures of it when its apart. The only trouble with this one is it tends to leak out the lid so have to keep an eye on the water level. yep those weed growers know their stuff!!! Some very useful information on U-tube.
I have rooted heliotrope, fuchsia, Elderberry, sedum, so much more can't recall. Just love it. Good tip on the slicing up the middle and using the cloning gel. I just use water but will give that a try. Never had any luck with a clematis, might give your technique a try on those. Never tried roses, I'm just not a fan.