I generally take a full minute between sets, but lately I"ve been doing 30 seconds between. Is there is "rule of thumb" and/or something to go by? how I feel? seems like 30-45 seconds works. is this to close to each set?

Rest periods can vary based on what type of training you focus on. If you're aspiring to gain strength primarily, rest periods between sets of heavy compounds might come in the range of two to three minutes or more. For hypertrophy focused workouts, evidence exists that a shorter rest period such as the 30 to 45 second range you mentioned might be more productive. In the end, rest should be dictated by your own physiology and what makes you progress more than a set dogma.
Yeah, that's basically my understanding.