A method and apparatus for guiding the opposed edges of sheet material into substantially abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another and thereafter welding said edges by a high energy welding source to form a seam. The invention enables the continuous high speed butt welding of the sheet material to form cylindrical bodies. The apparatus includes three elements, a mandrel, a mandrel holder and tube holders. Sheet material is fed to around said mandrel and advanced by a tube holder with an edge of two opposite edges of said sheet material being in intimate contact with a basis plane of said mandrel holder. Another edges is slided into contact with above mentioned edge of sheet material making abutting relationship after passing through the basis plane of said mandrel holder. These abutting edges pass a high energy zone of a welder and butt welded to make a tube.