What is the primary purpose of beveling in woodworking?

Beveling in woodworking primarily refers to the technique of cutting an edge at an angle, and its main purpose is often to create a decorative effect. While beveling can indeed round off a sharp edge, the primary intention behind this technique typically leans more towards aesthetics rather than merely softening the edge.

When wood is beveled, it not only improves the visual appeal by adding dimension and interest to the piece, but it can also facilitate smoother transitions between surfaces, which is especially important in furniture joinery and cabinetry. Beveling can enhance the overall design, creating shadows and highlights that make the finished product more visually engaging.

The other options, while they describe potential outcomes of woodworking techniques, do not capture the primary purpose of beveling as effectively as the aspect of creating decorative effects, which is fundamental in the context of woodworking craftsmanship and design.