length needle should be

Me and my friend are argueing how long the needle should be out tip or cap of end he says a nickel width i say a little shorter im new at this and i was wondering if you can give some feedback it would help alot. thanks!

No one here is going to help you with your technical question. My advice: Put down the tattoo machine, pick up some pencils and prove yourself on paper. Maybe one day you can present your art to a professional who will take you seriously enough to answer your questions...while you're apprenticing. Good luck!

Nickles are dirty! Find some other way to measure if you keep on scratching at the very least.

there is no wrong or right answer for this, every one does it different. less experienced should hang less needle out. people hang more out for black and grey some times