What is the smallest air compressor I can get away with for just doing fork work? Smallest capacity, least expensive (read: not cheap). Just need to be able to use my air tools to get the forks apart and back together. Space is a consideration; I don't have a lot of space in my garage.

is cost the factor or is size the factor?  3-5 gal tank should be fine with minimum 90 psi topout, 120 is better though :mrgreen:

My dad has a small one that we keep tucked away in the corner of our garage. The garage either always has 2 cars in it, or a car and a trailer. I will get the specs in a bit. It does the air wrench and stuff very good, not sure on psi rating. Brb ^_^


OK:

Campbell Hausfeld Standard Duty

2hp
6 gallon
120psi

My dad thinks he got it for about $150.00 i will try to find a link to it somewhere on the net for a current price.
I like it alot, and like i said its small.  

Ok, apparently its discontinued?!?!?! I cant find it anywhere on the net, even on campbell hausfeld's site. Sorry =(

I'm looking for a small size, but not so small that I'm compromising quality, durability, quietness (is that a word?). But also, not so small that the motor keeps running all the time (which shortens life of the motor). I'm looking to spend in the area of $150+or-. And as far as size goes up to a 15gal is about as big as I want to get. I do know that I want 120psi. I looked at the tools I have and none of them have their air  requirements stamped on them. I have found so far a Sears 15gal, 150psi, on sale for $167 new. Would that be sufficient?

Briliu, thank you for your research and your effort!

As far as air tools go the one you found would work perfectly.  The average tool uses about 90 psi (+/- some psi for different tools) to work properly.  Sounds like you found a pretty good deal.  
Here is a link to some specks on Chicago 1/2 in. impact wrench
http://www.jackxchange.com/catalog/product-chart.cfm?modelnumber=CP-733

if you get a standup one they take up less space. The larger capacity, the less the engine runs. The higher the pressure the more torque the air tools will have to loosen those ubber tight nuts and bolts.

15 gal is fine, as long as your not painting it shouldnt be an issue, even then, you can find another tank from an old compressor that brokedown, yank, broke compressor from tank, pipe outlet from yours into old comp. input, and bingo. you just doubled your volume.  i did this with a 20 portable tank and a T fitting, it works.  im also going to setup my outlet on a timer switch, thisway if i forget to unplug it, it wont keep running allnight/day while im away/sleeping

The air compressor you specified will work fine.  If you can find a deal on a  piston/oiled type compressor (not oilless) you will be happier with the noise level.  

I have an old piston/oil type compressor that had a rusted tank when I got it.  I replaced the 15 gallon tank with a new one and changed the orientation to a verticl unit to take up less space.  The tank can be removed from the unit to take with me if I need a portable air source for a tire or something simple.

For the race track I have a small compressed air cylinder with a regulator like the CO2 canisters that are used for drink machines at restaurants.  The cynlinder holds over 1200 psi ad the regulator allows me to use it for air tools. It will last all weekend as long as there are no major issues and the cost is only $7 to have it refilled at the local welding supply.