I purchased a 992B at a garage sale. It didn't run. Discovered that someone removed the friction hub from the balance wheel. How does one go about installing a new hub - staking or shellacing? Thanks

Staking.

The same way one would do a balance staff - spreading punch then a flattening punch? Thanks

Basically you just need to lock it in place (no glues etc), if you look carefully you will see if there is a lip to do so or for want of a better description to swell and trap. If someone has driven out the friction hub thinking that was the way to change a staff they more than likely have distorted/damaged the seat , arms and/or friction hub itself, you may have all kind of fun and games to get the wheel true and poised again, if ever!. I would be on the look out for a new balance complete in the meantime.
Before doing so I would recommend you have a good look at the rest of the watch to see if anything else has been previously repaired!

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Hello,
Fabricate a new hub from staff material, make all the trial fits to assure when completed the friction staff fits properly to 1/2 to 3/4 of friction free length when dry fitting. Harden the hub and anneal it back to as not to split when staking it in place or when driving in the friction staff. Remember the hubs were designed to take some abuse with staff removal and replacements so it needs to "metalurgically sound" to withstand the abuse. As mentioned you want to take a close inspection of the balance arm hole to assure its not "out of round". If this is the case you balance wheel will run out of round causing timing issues.