Searcher7 fired this volley in news:370407bd-
:

This is not plausible with conventional camera stands. So I'm trying
to decide on the best metal to make the moving parts out of. A metal
that will best retain it's dimensions under changing temperature
conditions.

To start. Would cast Iron be a plausible candidate?



It's a fool's errand to try and find a metal you can work with that won't
expand and contract with changes in temperature.

Instead, you should be 'focusing' on a design where the various
dimensional changes don't affect the aim angle. For instance, where the
camera pivots at the exact centroid of all the expansion or contraction.

That, and a solid base, like granite, to hold all the other stuff.

Even granite changes dimensions with temperature... G

LLoyd