Abstract: A method and apparatus for the flat advancement of one or more running webs of paper between two guide rollers and/or for combining two such webs, the apparatus comprising a pair of guide rollers between which a web is to be passed, a table having a guide surface positioned along the path of the web between the guide rollers, and an air removal body in tandem with the table to form a vacuum zone between the web and the surface thereby drawing the web toward the surface while the web moves therealong, the air removal body having a sharp edge directed against the direction of movement of the web. Advantageously the air removal body has a sharp edge positioned adjacent one of the guide rollers so as to form therewith a narrow gap through which the supply web is carried, the active surfaces of the air removal body and guide table lying in a common plane.