If its your first grow I'd try a more traditional approach. The results are (almost) as good, don't take as long, and will help you learn how the plant grows/behaves. Go look at my last grow (link in my sig, Ethos Crescendo). I just topped her 1x and that was it, no ring or cage required.
The mainlining process (not "Flux" like my journal title says, doh!) is pretty complicated. I know what you mean about the menorha shape, that's not what I am looking for. What I want is an even canopy, regardless of the plant size, so each cola gets equal amounts of light (critical to big buds, potency, and yield). Notice how a menorah shaped plant has more than 1 branch coming off the primary/main stem? The plant has to divide it's energy through these different stems/pathways to power each cola.......inefficient. In the menorah below there are (at least) 6 different branches coming off the primary/main stem resulting in 12 small colas (not counting the primary/main stem and big cola there). Compare that photo to Bubba.....she has 1 primary/main stem and one branch coming from it (called the manifold) that feeds all 8 colas. The plant sends all of its energy to every cola/flower via that one path....very efficient.
I think I've got Bubba well
mainlined (not fluxed), her shape will become more apparent after her haircut later this week. Thanks for all the questions.
Menorah
Manifold