Hi Michael;
it's no problem to remove the spindle.
First place a tray or something similar on the bench to catch any of the ball bearings that may fall out. The system I use is to lay the wheel in the horizontal position, keeping weight on the wheel to prevent any of the ball bearings from dropping out of the lower side. Holding the coned nut (the inner nut) in place with a thin spanner remove the locking nut,. then remove the coned nut. Be careful that the ball bearings don't spill out, remove the balls, I use a super magnet to collect them. Finally push the spindle out, and of course collect the balls.
If the wheel has been notching it's best to replace the balls.
Av phun.
Cheers.
Edit: Sould check my spelling before posting.