Most articles advocate 3-5 mins between sets for strength training using compound exercises. Based on this would it be better to use 3min and do more sets during the course of training for one hour or to use slightly more weight and increase the interval to 5 mins. For heavy singles and low rep sets of squats and deadlifts, up to 10 minutes may be required before another heavy set is attempted.
Bodybuilders use quick turn around between sets to accentuate the 'pump'.
For powerlifters, pump is not a factor. If you train with several partners, getting a set in any sooner than 3-5 minutes is impossible. A good guidleine is 1-2 minutes for straight bodybuilding . 3-5 miuntes for heavy training on asssitance work and up to 10 minutes for the squat, deadlift and on max bench presses. Doug, I have been training for power pretty seriously for two years since I finished college.