I followed the direction to remove the front disc rotor, but it seems to be very firmly in place still. So I decided to not take it out (I was going to have a shop smooth the surface).

I removing everything including brake caliber, spindle bolt, a goldish guild pin. I knocked back the spindle upto 1" back. As far as I can tell, everything was removed. Then why, even lightly banging on the rotor, I still wasn't able to remove it? Do I need to bang it real hard? Or does it require a special puller? Is there a trick to this?

 

It is most likely rusted on.

It will take hitting it a little harder.
The rotors really don't like to be turned either they might make noise after having it done.
Also tip when hitting it to remove it screw one lug back in a little so the rotor won't fall on your toes when it comes loose.

 

Thanks for the advice! Especially the toe tip..
I was thinking of having it turned only because they have two outer edges from been worned. But the middle are smooth, I put on new brakes that fitted exactly into place anyway. I guess I will change new rotor within the next 20 to 30K miles or so.

 

You might be close to the Min specs on the rotors.