Pete C. wrote:

... cutting a few pieces
of 3/8" AL plate with a hacksaw. ...

Oh, I feel your pain! I know your question is about H/V bandsaws, but
for 3/8 aluminum plate, use your table saw (if you have one). Much
*better* than the bandsaw! If no table saw, a circular saw is still
better than a bandsaw. Carbide blades, of course.

Bob