Abstract: An apparatus for forming a near-seamless splice between a first polymeric web portion and a second polymeric web portion includes a frame, a clamping mechanism for clamping the first polymeric web portion and the second polymeric web portion in a desired position of registration, a combined welding and cutting mechanism for simultaneously (a) welding the two web portions together by forming a weld line at which the two web portions are fused; and (b) cutting through the two web portions at the weld line. This creates a near-seamless splice between the two web portions. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is mounted on a portable carriage that permits a user to quickly and easily move the entire apparatus into and out of position on a production line. The invention has particular utility for removing defective portions from a printed polymeric web having a repeating pattern thereon, such as the wrapping that is used for packaging absorbent consumer paper products such as paper towels and napkins.