I've used Lincoln and Hobart (as well as others) at work.
The Lincolns and Hobarts are both very good machines. Either will serve you well. A 110 welder should be fine for your purposes, 1/4 inch is the max I would weld with it though.
Remember, gas shield welding needs to be done in a wind free environment. The slightest breeze will blow your shielding away, so if you'll be welding outdoors, use inner shield (flux core) wire. It'll splatter a, bit but it's easy enough to clean up with a wire wheel on a four inch angle head..
