Machine adaptation

A machine tool accessory comprising:

• a shank that is releasably mountable to the spindle of an associated machine tool, and
• an electrical accessory,
• wherein the shank includes a first portion of an electrical link comprising at least one electrical contact, the first portion of the electrical link being co-operable with a second portion of an electrical link provided at the spindle of an associated machine tool,
• wherein, when the machine tool shank is mounted to the spindle of an associated machine tool, the electrical accessory is supplied with electrical power via the at least one electrical contact of the first portion of the electrical link.

A machine tool comprising:

• a stationary part;
• a spindle rotatable relative to the stationary part, the spindle comprising a shank receiving area for releasably retaining the shank of a cutter or other machine tool accessory;
• a first electrical link between the stationary part and the spindle;
• and
• a first portion of a second electrical link at the shank receiving area of the spindle, the first portion of the second electrical link being electrically connected with the first electrical link and providing, in use, a disconnectable electrical link between the spindle and a retained shank;
• wherein the first portion of the second electrical link comprises a plurality of electrical contacts,
• wherein the first electrical link and the first portion of the second electrical link are arranged to provide a plurality of separate electrical paths between the stationary part and a retained shank.