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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
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