Best multi-purpose Air compressor

[cuervo]

Hopefully this Christmas will allow me to add to my shop. I'm wanting to add a good air compressor to the shop and not quite sure what specs I need to look for.... size of tank, max psi, duty cycle, etc.

I want to be able to run air-tools, nail guns, maybe sand-blaster, etc. I also believe it needs to be portable. I realize electric motor vs. self contained gas makes a difference in both price and ease of portability. That being said, I do have a generator. Thanks in advance for your input.

[cuervo]

Anyone have ANY input on this? Surely many of you have air compressors in your shops. What works best for you? Bigger the Better? Electric Vs. Gas? Max psi needed for most projects?

[HIDE-N-SEEK]

obvioulsy starts with the tools you'll use it for, and out of what you listed, the sand blaster will most likely control the size you need to purhase depending on the volume you're running. may be tough to get the portability you mention with sandblasting considered.