Abstract: The invention is an improved rotary cutter for a road planer, particularly a cold planer. The rotary cutter comprises a thick-walled metal drum fitted with improved cutter bits and bit holders, according to a pre-selected pattern. The holders are attached on the drum surface, and each has a tapered socket extending through the main body thereof along a line parallel to the tangent of the drum surface. The corresponding cutter bit has a shoulderless, tapered shank which fits in and is seated snugly in the socket of the holder and a cutting tip lying in a plane generally radial of the drum. The cutting action maintains the firm, tight fit of the cutter bits in the holders and reduces the excessive wear experienced in prior cutters. The invention provides a rotary cutter which is less expensive to make, is more effective in cutting modern paving materials, and which has a longer life span.