I only use miller welders, it is personal preference (not saying anything wrong with other manufacturers.)
That said, In my personal shop I have a older miller 250 millermatic blue ox and a really old miller 110 sidekick. I use the smaller 110 for thin stuff and body work and keep it set up with .023 wire. This welder is approaching 25 years old.
The 250 is a big boy that is also about 20 years old, it is big and cumbersome. Both welders were used at my fathers company, when they were replaced several years back, I snatched them up cheap.
Parts are redily available as miiller does not change the main components often, example, I just replaced the liner for my 110 and used an off the shelf liner from my local supplier.
regarding the 140 with autoset, this is the welder that is in the shop where I am currently building my truck. It is a great garage welder, but I would not suggest it if your going to use it for work (constantly being used every day) I personally do not like the auto set one bit, but it is easily turned off. I also like the ability to jump from 110 to 240 and only have to change the plug. After using this unit, for the price and what you get, I have been toying with the idea of selling my two older millers and buying a 140 for my personal shop and what ever is left over (because it is a good value welder) looking for a liquid cooled tig machine.
I do not have any feedback regarding the hobart welder, it uses many similar components as the millers do such as consumables. Some people say they find hobarts easier, but if you compare the two, they are identical, hobarts wands and grips are made by miller.
I do have a hobart plasma cutter, my only complaint is it is very sensitive to drops in air pressure and goes through consumables very quickly. (of course that also might be me using it to cut everything.)
