A cutting tool holder, a cutting bit, and a retainer maintaining the cutting bit at a prescribed position relative to the tool holder. The cutting bit is received in a slot located in a first lateral surface that extends through the top surface. The retainer is received in an opening included in the first lateral surface that intercepts the slot. The retainer includes a planar tapered surface that contacts an upwardly and laterally facing oblique surface on a lower end of the cutting bit to hold the lower end of the cutting tool in contact with a lower surface of the slot.