This machine is designed to trim the leading and trailing edges of the strip in preparation for cross welding coil to coil. The entire working platen of the machine is movable horizontally and positioned hydraulically to facilitate the squaring of each coil end and positioning some for welding without the necessity for further advancing the spirally wound strip. A submerged arc welding apparatus is mounted on a crossbeam carriage, which includes motorized travel. Welding power is diverted from the #1 position welder to the joiner during the coil joining operation. Heavy-duty strip clamps, hydraulically operated, are provided to support the coil end during the squaring and welding operation. The entire machine is mounted on a steel weldment base. The trimming operation is accomplished with on oxy-ocetylene burning system.