Abstract: A metal strip connecting method for welding the tail end of a preceding metal strip and the forward end of a succeeding metal strip. The tail and forward end portions of the two strips which are clamped by respective clampers are cut to required sizes by cutting means which are respectively mounted on frames secured to tables provided with the clampers and which are movable along a passage extending in the lateral direction of the strips. The cut end faces are butted against each other and welded selectively by flash welding or laser beam welding in accordance with the material of the strips. The flash welding is effected by supplying a flash current between the clampers, and the laser beam welding is effected by means of a laser beam machining head which is mounted on the frame secured to either one of the tables and which is movable along said passage.