A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip.