I've had a pair of roughly square 9" iron plates, about 1/2" thick or so for a couple of years. I think they used to be used to hold train tracks on RR ties. They're mostly flat, but they've got a raised ridge on the top face and two lower ridges on the bottom face. They've got a some surface rust, but it'll grind right off.

I just built my first workbench, a 6'x2' top with a 1.5" thick plywood surface, and I'd like to do something with these plates - maybe make some sort of anvil out of one or both. I haven't bought a vice yet. I mostly work on my truck on the bench, but it's a general purpose work surface.

What would you guys do with these if you had them? How could I mount these flush with the bench top, given those ridges on the underside?

Top:


Bottom:

 

go hang them from a tree and shoot at it with a ar15

 

You know, they really would make nice steel plate targets, but I'm not sure what the ridges and cutouts would do in terms of ricochets.

But assuming I wanted to use them somehow in conjunction with my work bench as a striking surface...?

 

I would venture those are cast steel you are right track plates there must be trillions of them floating around.

I second use them for targets .

pick up a piece of 1/2" plate to beat on if you want

 

Meh wear glasses like ya should. shooting steel close and fast (like it's meant to be) means splatter.
In actuality I'd avoid it if it's cast, may actually shatter and be bad news all around. Use 'em as backing plates for your vise and anvil.