Why are machine-made holes and recesses useful for furniture fittings?

In the furniture industry, the use of machine-made holes and recesses is essential for the production of "knockdown" furniture, which is designed to be disassembled and stacked flat to save space during storage and transport.1

These precision-machined features allow for the efficient installation of specialized fittings—such as those utilizing cam, screw, or wedge actions—that enable furniture components to be joined together easily and accurately. By relying on these standardized, machine-bored holes and recesses rather than traditional, labor-intensive joinery, manufacturers can ensure that parts fit together correctly without the need for the extensive manual trimming or fitting required in individually crafted pieces.12