The present invention relates to the field of industrial cutting machines and cutting tools therefore. In one particular aspect the present invention relates to a method and system for quickly changing cutting tools in computer controlled cutting machines, in a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a mechanism for retaining a cutting tool of a cutting machine, the mechanism having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to a cutting surface, the mechanism comprising a mount associated with the cutting machine, a holder for a cutting tool, a retaining device for removably attaching the holder to the mouth, wherein the retaining device is adapted to bias the holder in the direction of the longitudinal axis.