Originally Posted by
xenologer
If you're trying to remove the Stem
why do the photos show you disassembling the Headset?
Suspect OP may be doing it wrong.
+ another 1.
What did you bang on with the wood? It should have been the long bolt the runs vertically through the stem down into the steering tube.
With the headset disassembled it's going to be harder to hold it correctly to loosen the wedge or expander. The fork is what need to be held securely when you bang on the quill bolt.