Abstract: A handheld AC power tool is provided. The power tool is comprised generally of: a brushless DC motor; a power cord connectable to an AC power socket; a converter circuit configured to receive input power from the power cord and operable to output a DC bus voltage, a switching arrangement interposed between the electric motor and the converter circuit; a motor drive circuit interfaced with the motor switches; and a power switch operable by a user to selectively energize the motor drive circuit and thereby power on the tool. The converter circuit includes a rectifier and a capacitor electrically coupled across the rectifier, such that the capacitor has capacitance sized to produce a DC bus voltage whose magnitude from an AC power source is substantially same as magnitude of voltage from a DC power source.