Good first electric smoker build?

[daniels]

I've looked at a couple of the inexpensive electric smokers and they leave a lot to be desired.  For $170 you get a stamped out uninsulated aluminum box, some food grates, a chip pan, and a non-adjustable heating element.  Okay, it works but I could make something similar starting with a cardboard box (which would be better insulated), a $10 hot plate with a thermostat control, a cake pan, and some cooling racks from Walmart.

What is a good first electric smoker for me to build?  i.e., point me to a thread please.

Thanks!