You could try building '
the machine' which once upon a time was the go to method of the nexus- but nowadays we are more sophisticated.
Look into the vapor genie if you dont mind buying proper hardware.
Otherwise some advice regarding the methods you are currently using-
Sandwiching- small layer of plant matter (I never did like using weed for this, but plenty do. I prefer blue lotus which always seemed to synergize things), layer of DMT, layer of plant matter on top. I found it to work best if you get a cherry going on that top layer, and that tends to hit a pretty accurate point for melting the dmt into the bottom layer and then imbibing in a few hits.
Pros- Simple
cons- tends to take more dmt, especially while dialing it in, also requires a much larger lung load, which, for me, is already difficult enough with the dmt
pipe- Just dont roast it with the flame (use a regular lighter, not a torch). Get it to where you see it melting and start producing that thick white vapor. Burning just means youre cooking it with a bit too much flame a bit too close.
Pros- more efficient, fewer proper hits for success
cons- takes a couple tries to nail that vape point rather than combustion point