Touching wood, I think I have found a solution which may be of interest to others.

I aligned the shaft, got a butane torch on it until very hot and used plumbers solder. It poured through and out the other side. By using a block of wood as a stop underneath I tried again, The solder stayed put, so I doused it with water to set the solder. All seemed ok. (I only did one hole). I then tap the shaft on the garage floor and it didn't collapse, so I lifted it about 2 feet and dropped it on the floor. Eureka it sheared.

All I need to do now is repeat the process and take lots of pictures during the process, and then do it for real. This should satisfy the SVA man.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. (especially Ray Blanks as I think it was he that suggested trying solder!!!)

Pete