Can't get to the TV core!

I know you already got it off, but I just saw this thread. I have some old IBM monitors that are stuck really good with that epoxy stuff. What I do is find the 4 rubber pieces that are glued to the yoke and the tube, lift and peel each one so that they aren't gripping it anymore. Then hold the whole tube still and grab the yoke with both hands and twist with firm even pressure. Sometimes you have to twist pretty hard, but they usually break loose. I've never broken a tube at all using this method.