similar Craftsman 3x21 Belt Sander 315.117260 disassemble for repair

Upon disassembling the sander, I found that the left armature bearing failed, heated, and melted the plastic holding it in place. I can’t get the gear off of the armature in order to take the damaged parts off. I think it’s reverse threaded, but no way can I get it to budge. Help I would think a repair should be possible. Or, have Craftsman tools gotten so bad that this cannot be repaired?