Monday Woodworking 101 - Hand Crosscut Sawing and 1st/2nd/3rd class cuts

First Class Cuts refer to cuts that are made in the most sensitive of ways, on cuts that will be part of the joint that will show in the final phase of the joint.

Second Class Cuts refer to cuts that are made as part of joinery and are sensitive in nature, but may not be directly viewed as part of the final piece. Think tenons and half lap joints, etc.

Third Class Cuts refer to cuts that are made early on in the process and are meant to dimension lumber to a close to final size. The name of the game here is speed and efficiency.