I am trying to create a block of about 128 different shackles. I do not want to have a visibility with all 128 different shackles. Is there a way to have more than one visibility (4 visibilities each with 32 shackles)? If no, how would I use the lookup table to create this block?
 
 
I have 2 types of shackles, Chain and Anchor. Each chain and anchor shackle has either a screw type or bolt type connection. There are 16 different sizes.
 
Ex. I have a 1/4 in. screw pin chain shackle.
Es. I have a 4 in.  bolt type anchor shackle.
 
Thanks

Hello, I supose that you want to deal with dynamic blocks ?
Yes or no ?
If you want shackle blocks I have drawn some ( including some 3D ones that you can see right here in the site in tha CAD Blocks library, search with my name ).
You can also see the exellent The CROSBY-GROUP site that is providing 2D DWG if you register.
I have personally treated their blocks for a better visibility ( ask the files if necesary )
Here in the site I have seen also 3D wide body shackles in the CAD library.
Ask for more...philippe JOSEPH2012-09-24 07:46:07

Dynamic block was my initial thought. I know that I want something that will be able to have all of the shackles in a single block. To create this type of item, what would your process be?

Hello N° 2, I use the dynamic blocks of our company but I've never elaborate one.
Dynamic blocks are to be inserted in a file and not copy/paste from the initial file.
To use a dynamic block, you insert it and them you open the properties panel ( ctrl + 1 ) and in the lower part of it you have the "visibility" to set and the good design inside the dynamic block apears at the screen.
If it's to learn how to make a dynamic block then I'm not the good person but you can see the documentation loaded in you C disk ( C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2008\Setup\Docs ).
Look at the file : acad_acr.pdf ( command reference ).
See the index at the end at : dynamic blocks definition.
Hope this will help, ask for more...
I can give DWG files with shackles ( ours and The CROSBYGROUP ones ).