squirrelslinger
I am unable to trade for netting needles (that is how I got most of mine). I do have some suggestions. You need something to handle a long length of cord so that it does not become tangled. It does
not have to be a traditional netting needle.
Easy to bend from a length of coat hanger
My first netting needle was a wooden ruler with a notches cut out of each end as shown in my instructions
http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/about551.html I have even made such a needle out of cardboard when nothing else was available.
You can buy needles from commercial fishery suppliers such as
http://www.memphisnet.net/category/netsuppliesTimann,
I am happy to see a new netmaker develop. Now you can try some of the tubular/circuolar nets described at the netmaking forum. Even try a hammock.
Arcane Tinker
Although proper tension is required you
do not need to have a death grip on the gauge as you realize. Although it will not help relieve your gauge hand problem you might want to consider the following method. I originally promoted it as a way of oncreasing your net making speed. I have since found that it is easier to teach (and learn) this method from the beginning. I do not teach the traditional method any longer at my net making demonstrations. Give it a try.
At one of my net making demonstrations years ago a spectator who was a tatting expert suggested this method. It eliminates the need to make a bight to the left of the loop you are tying into. This results in a increase in the speed of the netting process.
1. Instead of making the bight (loop) to the left, bring the needle to the right with the cord around the back of your hand.
2. Bring the needle behind the 2 strands as usual, the cord stays around the back of your hand.
3. Back your hand out of the loop and tighten as usual.