On Sun, 18 Jul 2004 20:23:25 GMT, Mike Gerdts
wrote:

snip
For my first project, I anticipate needing something along the lines
of a 1/4" spiral (mortises) and a 1/2" straight (tenons). Is it
reaonsable to assume that I should be able to get decent performance
out of a 1/4" shank on these bits?

Expect to make more shallow cuts with the 1/4" shank.

When trying to do raisesd panel doors, does a 1/4" shank provide enough
stability to get decent results?

No. Use a table saw or get 1/2" shank bits.

I assume that I will be looking for carbide-tipped bits. What brands
should I consider? I don't want to buy throw-away bits, but at the
same time, I am not doing production runs.

I have been using Whiteside. You can resharpen them, but for the most
part router bits are more easily replaced. Whatever you decide, avoid
Taiwan or China made bits. USA is very good.