To provide an apparatus and methods for forming annular arrays of punchings.

The punchings 20 for stator core laminations of a generator stator frame are disposed on a rotary table 10 to form annular arrays of punchings, with each layer staggered relative to adjacent layers. A mandrel 14 is disposed at the center of the table and has fingers 16 projecting radially for receiving the slots 24, 26 of the punchings to facilitate location of the punchings on the table and relative to one another. An annular cover 60 is provided and disposed over the uppermost layer of punchings and clamped to the superposed sets of annular layers of punchings. The cover and punchings can then be removed from the table for disposition in the generator stator frame. The fingers 16 on the mandrel are displaced vertically relative to the table as the height of the punchings on the table increases.