DIY: Mash Tun Project - Research Phase

I've been toying with the idea of abandoning the partial grain/extract world of intermediate beer recipe kits, and moving on to all grain beers. Kits are fun and easy, and the results are very rewarding, especially when compared to the limited time and effort you need to put in to make a tasty beer. But I feel I need to grow if I'm ever going to be a serious beer maker.

So, I've been reading up on what I need to make the jump, and it looks like I need to get a Mash Tun. I've found some info on building your own from relatively inexpensive coolers and various parts that can be picked up on the cheap from your local Home Depot.

I think I found a cheap 5 gallon "Gatorade" cylindrical cooler for sale on Craig's List, right near where I work. It's listed for only $3! And I just sent the seller an e-mail to check and see if it's still available. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one. A $3 cooler might just be the excuse I needed to get off the couch and start this project! Stay Tuned!

Note: If anyone out there has any experience with building their own Mash Tun, or has advice on going all grain, please chime in, I'm all ears and eager to learn!