a method and apparatus for fabricating a rotor assembly for a turbine is provided . the method includes forming a cover on each bucket radial tip wherein the cover includes a leading edge side in a direction of rotation , and a trailing edge side in the direction of rotation wherein the leading edge and trailing edges are parallel with respect to each other , and wherein the leading edge and trailing edges are skewed with respect to the axis of rotation . the method includes forming an extension in the cover leading edge side , forming a groove in the cover trailing edge side , and attaching each bucket to the radially outer rim , such that the extension in the cover leading edge side of one cover is in mating engagement with the groove in the cover trailing edge side of an adjoining cover .