The three-dimensional pressure- and shear-driven flow phenomena in a circular recess of hydrostatic rotary table in heavy-duty computer numerical control machines is very complicated and has not been fully explored. Navier–Stokes equations have been applied through the whole flow region using a finite volume approach to explore this complicated flow phenomena, including the influences of feeding Reynolds number (Re_i), sliding Reynolds number (Re_s) and the recess geometry on flow behaviors. A test rig based on a particle image velocimetry was built to compare experimental and numerical results, finding a good agreement for stationary cases. The results show that the flow patterns in the recess are very complex and four three-dimensional vortices exist at Re_i = 448 and Re_s = 74.6. Four flow states are defined according to the structure of the vortices. Different sectional profiles of the streamlines and velocity vector fields are examined to reveal the mechanism of pressure- and shear-driven flow interactions. The results of influences of recess geometry on flow states and pressure patterns are intended to contribute to represent a database in view of the hydrostatic rotary table theoretical modeling.