Abstract: A method for making a core for one of a rotor and a stator for use in an electric motor, the core being formed from a plurality of laminations, includes forming a predetermined number of through-material slots in a first portion of a material stock, forming at least one angled interlocking projection in the material stock, the projection having a circumferential length and being formed so that at least a portion of the projection remains integral with the material stock, cutting the material stock to define a receiving opening corresponding to the interlocking projection, the receiving opening positioned relative to the projection at an angle &phgr; that is a whole number multiple of &bgr;, where &bgr; is an angle defined as a ratio of 360 degrees to the number of slots and cutting the material stock to form a first substantially circular lamination. Second and third laminations are formed in kind.