I actually had a device that looks almost identical to this one Mike built, but mine wouldn't work. I think it is because the brass shell on my cutlass bearing is so thin, I really couldn't get a good grip on it. Yes, I even tried a torch like Mike indicated in his interesting thread about bearing removal
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1164898528
Here's what Mike built, his worked better !
I had to use the hack saw method as a last resort. Actually, if I see another thin shell bearing like this, I may just go directly to the hack saw.
Regards, Paul