Moving saddle versus bridge base for intonation

[mando_toss_flycoon]

When moving the bridge to help set the intonation, how does moving the saddle come into play? I'm able to move the saddle above the thumbwheels so that it's straight up and down, or so that it leans slightly toward or away from the fingerboard. Is that movement enough to change the intonation, even if I don't move the bottom part of the bridge?

Should I be messing with the saddle at all, or is it better to just keep it straight up and down at all times? (It seems to want to lean toward the fingerboard after a while.)

Thanks.

[Celtic Saguaro]

You don't want the saddle leaning. That makes it very difficult to adjust the intonation properly and the sideways strain on the threads can ruin the bridge. Leave the adjustable part straight and low enough that the screws can keep it that way!

The normal adjustment up and down is trivial compared with moving the bridge even a little bit toward the neck or tail piece in changing the intonation.

[mandroid]

the base was carefully matched to the surface of the top of the mandolin for best sound vibration transfer , it should remain so , if you have to shift it , loosen string tension so base moves, but, stays in full contact.