Jim,

After I hit the wire I did see it on one face of the timber. Very stupid mistake on my part. Fortunately, I do have a spare chain that came with the mortiser and I am now being extra cautious with it. I only have about ten more timbers for my house that require mortises. I hate, however to throw away a perfectly good chain for want of a few teeth. This chain is in like new condition otherwise.

I do have the teeth that came off the chain. I may see if I can have someone weld them back on the chain.