Help! Removing cog + lockring from unbuilt hub

I've been able to resolve this by lacing just 8 spokes to a rim.

More might be better since you can't lace on the drive side because of the small flange.

it's singlesided so this might be the answer! how do I lace 8spokes? 4 on each side?

I also had the idea (which I cant test now cause Im at work) to use a chainwhip to hold the cog and remove the lockring, then carefully vicing the hub and, with a rubber mallet, hitting the cog to loosen it..might work, right? sounds ok in my head...ahaha

shit.