I dunno, Mcgyver, my cnc lathe only cost $65k and it does a good job on C1018
I'll echo what the guys are saying about C1018 being difficult to get a good finish on. I long ago swore off of it, and use C1045 instead for routine usage. I reserve the C1018 for production jobs on a fast machine, or for low strength applications that may require welding where preheat is not available.
Stressproof is also nice to machine, not noticeably tougher on tools, but you gotta watch those chips that fly everywhere. It may not finish up real shiny, either, but at least built up edge does not present such a problem. Always use cutting oil for finish cuts when doing manual turning.
First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)