Makelangelo vs Polargraph
“I was wondering if you have any knowledge of or experience with the Polargraph and could compare and contrast the capabilities, software, and usability of both your products. I’m looking to buy either one and am not sure which to go with. Thank you for your time and all the work you’re doing!” — Natan
Great question! Let’s see.
There’s only one model of the Polargraph available. It wasn’t fair to compare the Polargraph Vitamin Kit to the Makelangelo 2.5 because the PVK is not a complete kit. They are the same price, which makes the Makelangelo 2.5 the clear winner.
Instead I compared the Makelangelo 3 and the Polargraph SD v2.0 based on their online descriptions, assembly instructions, and their downloadable software.
| Makelangelo 3 | PolargraphSD v2.0 | Verdict? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counterweights | Anything | Anything | Tie |
| Motor & servo extensions | Available | Avaialble | Tie |
| Built-in control screen | 20×4 + click wheel | Touch screen | Tie*** |
| Assembly | More steps, more photos-per-step | Less steps, less photos-per-step | Tie |
| Built-in SD card | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Power supply | US style included | Any style included | P |
| Gondola | non-adaptive, easy attachment | adaptive, less easy attachment | P |
| PC software | Makelangelo for Linux, OSX, and Windows | Polargraph for Linux, OSX, and Windows | See notes** |
| Drawing styles | 9+ | See notes** | See notes** |
| Translations | Many | English | M |
| Spray paint head Gondola? | Available separately | No | M |
| Etch-a-sketch driving? | Yes | No | M |
| Draw time estimate? | Yes | No | M |
| Electronics | Off the shelf | Custom | M |
| Pulleys | Off the shelf | Custom | M |
| Belt | GT2-6 | Beaded cord | M |
| Price* | 304.68 USD (399 CAD) | 358.52 USD (250 GBP) | M |
* when compared after exchange rate 2015-08-17
** I was unable to run Polgraph for Windows 32bit or 64bit. Got an “unspecified error”.
*** The P screen is pretty, the M3 offers more information.
Who draws faster?
All machines have adjustable speed. Based on the videos I’ve seen I think the starting sped of the Makelangelo 3 is faster. A side-by-side race might be interesting.
Who draws most precisely?
The Polargraph adaptive pen holder reduces the effect of gondola momentum changes and draws at a slower speed. These features probably create more precision. The Makelangelo pulleys are smaller, which means the pen can make smaller movements on the paper.
Any other points of interest?
- The Polargraph starts drawings top-center. The Makelangelo starts drawings center-center.
- The Makelangelo can be mounted on a window. The Polargraph does not appear to come with the right hardware.
- The Makelangelo speaks Gcode (the language of CNC machines). I’m not sure what the Polargraph is talking.
- More Makelangelo parts can be reused to make a 3D printer. Less garbage is good for the earth.
- I have never found a supplier for Beaded Cord.
Final Verdict
The Polargraph is a bit more plug & play. The Makelangelo is more versatile and doesn’t lock you in to one vendor. You could buy and ship a Makelangelo or a Polargraph to the same UK address for the same price.
Who do you think is the winner? Comment below.
