Can't set intonation on guitar?

Question

I bought a cheap little guitar not long ago and just recently tried to set the intonation. Now I may be confused but if the 12th fret is sharper than the harmonic I understand you're to move the bridge saddle back towards the bridge. So starting on the high E string I did this, was still sharp, again, and again and anyway I wound up moving it as far back as it'd go and it's still too sharp. I've never set intonation before but it seems like it should be more straight forward. I tried it on other strings and still had the same problem. Does anyone have suggestions?

Answer 1

Things that may help are that the strings need to be brand new when you set the intonation.  You have to retune carefully to pitch after each movement back or forward at the bridge.  You may have a neck needs adjustment, too.  There are lots of little things that can affect your intonation.  And you may have bought a poorly made instrument with little attention to how well it intonates.