1 EXHIBIT 23(b) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 for the registration of 500,000 Common Shares pertaining to the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors of our report dated February 1, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio November 10, 2000 -9-