Does it have to be made of wood? Why?
The more time you spend on a non working model, the less time you have to
spend on the actual development.
Is a non working model really that important?
Is there already something out there that is close in shape of concept
that could substitute for this model, or could an existing shape be easily
modified?
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It would help if you could say what the reason is for needing this model.
It could be fashioned in minutes from molding clay, or even PlayDoh, for
instance. That way, it could be adjusted without any tools.
It could be made from cardboard- corrugated board or theme pad backboard
and held together with tape.

Architects using poster board and hot glue make some pretty detailed models.

Any of the above could be used if you need some visual way to see what it
should look like, or the range for some of the critical dimensions.

If you haven't already done it. draw it up from several views. This process
alone may help to suggest the type of materials to use.

Also depends upon the tools/kind of shop you have.

Personally, I hate to put too much time into a nonworking model because I
can spend too much time tuning it up instead of working a working
prototype.

If your goal is to have a model to show and you don't do CAD, even a few
components of the first prototype can be useful to interested
parties/potential investors.

Pete Stanaitis
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