Yes, happy new year Rob, Joe, and everyone on Outdoorking.
I haven't tried an air hammer, I agree it is the most controlled way to do it that I can think of though. I'm guessing your method is to use it with an anvil and instead of a hammer, by striking across the boss. I have an idea someone on Outdoorking was recommending supporting right around the circumference of the boss, and striking axially on the end of the crankshaft. That should work marvellously except I'd expect to damage the crankshaft unless it came off pretty well instantaneously.
