in case anyone is interested, i pulled the shaft out of the 8x12 lathe without any problem. loosen the lock nuts on the back of the shaft, take off the pulley and gear and tap out the shaft with a plastic hammer. the pulley and gear slid right off. there are tapered roller bearings on the shaft.
make sure when you assemble it, tighten up up the nut until the lathe runs quietly.
send me a note if anyone has any questions.

chris